Background Arts Optically active nitro compounds and amino compounds are useful for synthetic intermediates for fine chemicals, medicaments, pesticides and so on.

USP-6,456, 664 discloses a process for producing optically active compounds having an electron-withdrawing group by reducing olefin with a silicon compound in the presence of an asymmetric copper complex. Said electron-withdrawing groups generally include nitro group, however the process gives poor yield when the process is applied to nitro compounds.

Further, it may cause side reaction of isomerization.

Disclosure of the Invention The present invention provides a method for producing an optically active nitro compound having two hydrogen atoms on its a-cabon atom and having -asymmetric carbon atom which comprises making a, /3-unsaturated nitroolefin having a hydrogen atom on its a-cabon atom react with at least two organosilicon compounds having at least one silicon-hydrogen bond in the molecule in the presence of an asymmetric copper complex.

Further, the present invention provides a method for producing an optically active nitro compound having two hydrogen atoms on its a-cabon atom and having -asymmetric carbon atom which comprises making ol, (3-unsaturated nitroolefin having a hydrogen atom on its a-cabon atom react with an organosilicon compound having at least one silicon-hydrogen

bond in the molecule in the presence of an asymmetric copper complex and water.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for producing an optically active amino compound which comprises reducing the nitro compound obtained by the above-mentioned methods.

The optically active nitro compounds having two hydrogen atoms on its a-cabon atom and having 3-asymmetric carbon atom are given by formula : wherein Ra and Rb are different from each other and represent organic groups which are inert to the reduction of a nitro compound, and * indicates an asymmetric carbon.

The a, 3-unsaturated nitroolefins having a hydrogen atom on its cl-carbon atom of formula : wherein Ra and Rb have the same meanings given above, are utilized for the present invention.

Typical compounds of the optically active nitro compound are given by formula (1) : wherein RI and R2 are different from each other, and each of RI and R2 represents an optionally substituted Cl-C10 alkyl group, optionally substituted C3-C10 cycloalkyl group, optionally substituted C6-C14 aryl group or optionally substituted heterocyclic group; said heterocyclic group is pyridyl group, pyrimidinyl group, furyl group, thienyl group, pyrazolyl

group, imidazolyl group, oxazolyl group, thiazolyl group, quinolyl, quinazolinyl, dihydropyridyl, tetrahydrofurfuryl and piperidyl group ; and the substituent of the alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group and heterocyclic group is one or more selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, hydroxyl group, cyano group, isocyano group, C1-C10 alkoxy group, C3-C10 cycloalkyl group, C6-C14 aryl group, C1-C10 alkylcarbonyl group, C6-C14 haloaryl group, C1-C10 alkylcarbonyloxy group, benzyloxy group, halobenzyloxy group, Cl-C10 alkylsulfonyloxy group, C6-C14 arylsulfonyloxy group, C6-C14 haloarylsulfonyloxy group, tetrahydrofuranyloxy group, tetrahydropyranyloxy group, amino group, Cl-C10 alkylcarbonylamino group, trifluoroacetamino group, C6-C14 arylcarbonylamino group, halobenzoylamino group, benzyloxycarbonylamino group, pyridyl group, pyrimidinyl group, furyl group, thienyl group, imidazolyl group, halopyridyl group, C1-C10 alkylpyridyl group and C1-C10 alkylfuryl group and * indicates an asymmetric carbon, and typical compounds of the a, ß-unsaturated nitroolefins having a hydrogen atom on its a-cabon atom are given by formula (2) : wherein R1 and R2 have the same meanings given above.

Examples of the Cl-C10 alkyl group for the optionally substituted C1-C10 alkyl group, C1-C10 alkylcarbonyl group, C1-C10 alkylcarbonyloxy group, C1-C10 alkylsulfonyloxy group, C1-C10 alkylcarbonylamino group, Cl-C10 alkylpyridyl group and C1-C10 alkylfuryl group include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl and hexyl.

Examples of the C3-C10 cycloalkyl group for the optionally substituted C3-C10 cycloalkyl group and C3-C10 cycloalkyl group as the substituent include cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cyclooctyl.

Examples of the C6-C14 aryl group for the optionally substituted

C6-C14 aryl group, C6-C14 aryl group as the substituent, C6-C14 arylsulfonyloxy group and C6-C14 arylcarbonylamino group include phenyl, 3-methylphenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 2, 4-dimethylphenyl, 2, 6-dimethylphenyl, 1-naphthyl and 2-naphthyl.

Examples of the heterocyclic group include 2-pyridyl group, 3-pyridyl group, 4-pyridyl group, 2-pyrimidinyl group, 4-pyrimidinyl group, 5-pyrimidinyl group, 2-furyl group, 3-furyl group, 2-thienyl group, 3-thienyl group, 1-pyrazolyl group, 3-pyrazolyl group, 1-imidazolyl group, 2-imidazolyl group 4-imidazolyl group, 2-oxazolyl group, 2-thiazolyl, 2-quinolyl, 8-quinolyl, 2-quinazolinyl, 1, 4-dihydro-2-pyridyl, tetrahydrofurfuryl and 2-piperidyl group which may be substituted.

The substituents of the alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and heterocyclic group are explained in detail below.

Examples of the halogen atom include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine ; examples of the Cl-C10 alkoxy group include methoxy, ethoxy and butoxy ; and examples of the Cl-C10 alkylcarbonyl group include acetyl and propionyl. The C6-C14 haloaryl group means C6-C14 aryl group substituted by one or more halogen atoms and the typical examples include 4-chlorophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 2,4-dichlorophenyl, 2,6-dichlorophenyl and 4-trifluoromethylphenyl. Examples of the C1-C10 alkylcarbonyloxy group include acetoxy and propionyloxy. The halobenzyloxy group means benzyloxy group substituted by one or more halogen atoms and the typical examples include 4-chlorobenzyloxy and 3-fluorobenzyloxy ; and examples of the C1-C10 alkylsulfonyloxy group include methanesulfonyloxy and ethanesulfonyloxy ; examples of the C6-C14 arylsulfonyloxy group include benzenesulfonyloxy, 4-methylbenzenesulfonyloxy and naphthalenesulfonyloxy. The C6-C14 haloarylsulfonyloxy group means C6-C14 arylsulfonyloxy group substituted by one or more halogen atoms and the typical examples include 4-chlorobenzenesulfonyloxy and 4-bromobenzenesulfonyloxy. Examples of the C1-C10 alkylcarbonylamino group include acetamino and propionamino ; and examples of the C6-C14 arylcarbonylamino group include benzoylamino, 4-methylbenzoylamino and

naphthoylamino. The halobenzoylamino group means benzoylamino group substituted by one or more halogen atoms and the typical examples include 4-chlorobenzoylamino and 3-fluorobenzoylamino. Examples of the pyridyl group include 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl and 4-pyridyl ; examples of the pyrimidinyl group include 2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl and 5-pyrimidinyl ; examples of the furyl group include 2-furyl and 3-furyl examples of the thienyl group include 2-thienyl and 3-thienyl ; and examples of the imidazolyl group include 1-imidazolyl, 2-imidazolyl and 4-imidazolyl. The halopyridyl group means pyridyl group substituted by one or more halogen atoms and the typical examples include 5-chloropyridin-2-yl, 3,5-dichloropyridin-2-yl and 5-bromopyridin-3-yl. Examples of the C1-C10 alkylpyridyl group include 5-methylpyridin-2-yl and 6-methylpyridin-2-yl ; and examples of the C1-C10 alkylfuryl group include 5-methyl-2-furyl and 3-methyl-2-furyl.

Examples of the optionally substituted C1-C10 alkyl group for Ri and R2 include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, chloromethyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, 1-hydroxy-l-methylethyl, cyanomethyl, isocyanomethyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, benzyl, phenethyl, 4-methylbenzyl, acetonyl, 3, 3-dimethyl-2-oxo-butyl, 4-chlorobenzyl, 2, 6-dichlorobenzyl, 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl, acetoxymethyl, benzyloxymethyl, 4-chlorobenzyloxymethyl, 2,4-dichlorobenzyloxymethyl, methanesulfonyloxymethyl, benzenesulfonyloxymethyl, 4-methylbenzenesulfonyloxymethyl, 4-chlorobenzenesulfonyloxymethyl, tetrahydrofuranyloxymethyl, tetrahydropyranyloxymethyl, aminomethyl, acetaminomethyl, trifluoroacetaminomethyl, benzoylaminomethyl, 4-chlorobenzoylaminomethyl, benzyloxycarbonylaminomethyl, pyridin-2- ylmethyl, pyrimidin-2-ylmethyl, furfuryl, thiophen-2-ylmethyl, imidazol-1-ylmethyl, 5-chloropyridin-2-ylmethyl, 6-methylpyridin-2- ylmethyl and 5-methylfurfuryl.

Examples of the optionally substituted C3-C10 cycloalkyl group for R1 and R2 include cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cyclooctyl,

2, 2-dichlorocyclopropyl, 4-chlorocyclohexyl, 2,2-dicyanocyclopropyl, 4-cyanocyclohexyl and 4-isocyanocyclohexyl.

Examples of the optionally substituted C6-C14 aryl group for Ri and R2 include phenyl, 3-methylphenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 2,4-dimethylphenyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 4-isocyanophenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 4-tert-butoxyphenyl, 4-phenylphenyl, 4-acetylphenyl, 4-aminophenyl and 4-acetaminophenyl.

Examples of the optionally substituted heterocyclic group for RI and R2 include 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl, 5-pyrimidinyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 1-imidazolyl, 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, 5-chloropyridin-2-yl, 3, 5-dichloropyridin-2-yl, 5-bromopyridin-3-yl, 5-methylpyridin-2-yl, 6-methylpyridin-2-yl, 4-cyanopyridin-2-yl, 2-quinolyl, 8-quinolyl, 2-quinazolinyl, 5-methyl-2-furyl and 3-methyl-2-furyl.

The a, a-unsaturated nitroolefin having a hydrogen atom on its a-cabon atom used for the reaction of the present invention can be prepared by the reaction of nitromethane with a ketone (nitro-aldol reaction, Henry reaction) optionally followed by dehydration of the obtained nitroalcohol, or prepared by the reaction of an olefin with dinitrogen tetraoxide followed by elimination reaction. The preparation of the nitroolefin are well known and referred to many literatures including N.

Ono"The Nitro Group in Organic Synthesis"Wiley-VCH, New York, pp. 30-44 (2001) and Synthesis, p. 1017-1018 (1982).

Both (E)-and (Z)-nitroolefins can be utilized for the present invention.

The asymmetric copper complex used for the present invention is prepared by copper salt and optically active ligand precursor.

Examples of the copper salt include copper alkoxides such as copper Cl'06 alkoxides (e. g. copper tert-butoxide), copper carboxylates

such as copper C2-C6 carboxylates (e. g. copper acetate) and copper trifluoroacetate, copper sulfonates (e. g. copper trifluoromethanesulfonate), copper halides such as copper chloride and copper bromide, copper sulfate, copper tetrafluoroborate, copper trifluoromethanesulfonamide and copper phosphate. Both of cuprous (Cu (I)) salts and cupric (Cu (II)) salts are available as copper salts, however, cuprous salts are preferable. Further, cuprous alkoxides, especially, cuprous tert-butoxide is preferable.

Cuprous alkoxide is prepared by the reaction of cuprous halide with sodium alkoxide, and it is provided to the reaction.

Examples of the optically active ligand precursor include optically active phosphorus-phosphorus ligand (bidentate phosphine ligand) such as optically active 2,2'-bis (diphenylphosphino)-1, 1'-binaphthyl (optically active BINAP), optically active 6,6'-dimethyl-2, 2'-bis (diphenylphosphino)-1, 1'- biphenyl (optically active BIPHEMS), optically active 2, 2'-bis (di-p-tolylphosphino)-1, 1'-binaphthyl (optically active p-tol-BINAP), optically active N- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4- (diphenylphosphino)-2- [(diphenylphosphino) methyl] pyrrolidine (optically active BPPM), optically active 2, 3-o-isopropylidene-2, 3-dihydroxy-1, 4-bis (diphenylphosphino) butane (optically active DIOP), optically active 2, 3-bis (diphenylphosphino) butane (optically active CHIRAPHOS), optically active 2,4-bis (diphenylphosphino) pentane (optically active BDPP), optically active 5,6-bis (diphenylphosphino) -2-norbornene (optically active NORPHOS), optically active 1- [1', 2-bis (diphenylphosphino) ferrocenyl] ethyl alcohol (optically active BPPFOH), optically active 1, 2-bis (2,5-diethylphosphorano) ethane (optically active Et-BPE), optically active 1, 2-bis (2, 5-dimethylphosphorano) benzene (optically active Me-DUPHOS), optically active 1-[2-(diphenylphosphino) ferrocenyl] ethyldicyclohexylphosphine (optically active JOSIPHOS), optically active 6, 6'-dimethoxybiphenyl-2, 2'-diylbis [di (3, 5-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphine] (optically active 3, 5-tBu-MeO-BIPHEP), optically active 6,6'-dimethoxybiphenyl-2, 2'-diylbis [di (2-furyl) phosphines (optically active 2-Furyl-MeO-BIPHEP) and optically active 1- [2- (dicyclohexylphosphino)

ferrocenyl] ethyldicyclohexylphosphine ; optically active phosphorus- nitrogen ligand (bidentate phosphinite ligand) such as optically active methyl a-glucopyranoside-2,6-dibenzoate-3, 4-di [bis (3,5-dimethylphenyl) phosphinite], optically active 1, 2-cyclohexyldiamino-N, N'-bis (2- diphenylphosphanylbenzamide) and optically active <BR> <BR> <BR> 2- (2-diphenylphosphanylferrocenyl)-4-isopropyl-4, 5-dihydrooxazol ; optically active phosphorus-sulfur ligand such as diphenyl-2- (2'- phenylsulfenyl- [l, 1']-binaphthalen-2-yl) phosphane and optically active 2- (1-methylsulfenylethyl)-1- (diphenylphosphanyl) ferrocen optically active nitrogen-nitrogen ligand such as optically active 2, 2'-isopropylidene-bis (4-benzyl-2-oxazoline), optically active bis (4-tert- butyl-4, 5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl) phenylamine, optically active 4,4'-dibenzyl- 4,5, 4', 5'-tetrahydro- [2, 2']-bioxazolyl, optically active (4-phenyl-4,5- dihydrooxazol-2-yl) - [4-phenyloxazolidin- (2E)-ylidene] acetonitrile and optically active 2,6-bis (4-isopropyl-2-oxazolin-2-yl) pyridine ; and optically active carben ligand such as optically active 2- [ (3N-methylimidazol-1-yl) methyl]-1-trimethylsilylferrocene. Among them, optically active bidentate phosphine ligand is preferably used.

Further, optically active p-tol-BINAP, optically active JOSIPHOS and 3, 5-tBu-MeO-BIPHEP are more preferable.

The optically active ligand precursors have optical isomers, for example, p-tol-BINAP has two optical isomers of (S) -p-tol-BINAP and (R) -p-tol-BINAP. Each of the optically active ligand precursors can be used for the objective optically active nitro compound having two hydrogen atoms on its a-cabon atom and having (3-asymmetric carbon atom These optically active ligand precursors are available in the market and also prepared by known methods described in R. Noyori "Asymmetric Catalysis in Organic Synthesis"John Wiley & Sons, New York (1994), Chapter 2 ; I Ojima"Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis"VCH Publishers, New York (1993), Chapter 1 ; J. Am. Chem. Soc. , 116,4062-4066 (1994) and so on.

The asymmetric copper complex is usually prepared by mixing the

copper salt with the optically active ligand precursor in an inert solvent such as aromatic hydrocarbons (e. g. toluene, xylene). In the preparation, the amount of the optically active ligand precursor is usually equimolecular or more to the copper salt. Too much ligand precursor may not be beneficial by economical reason. Thus, the amount of the ligand precursor is usually 1 to 2 parts, preferably 1 to 1.5 parts by mol to 1 part by mol of the copper salt.

The mixture of the optically active ligand precursor and the copper salt in the solvent can be used as it is, or the mixture is concentrated and then provided for the reaction of the present invention. Further, the asymmetric copper complex may be formed in the reaction vessel of the a, a-unsaturated nitroolefin having a hydrogen atom on its a-cabon atom by adding the optically active ligand precursor and the copper salt separately.

The amount of the asymmetric copper complex is, based on the amount of the copper salt, usually 0.0001 to 0.5 part, preferably 0.0005 to 0.3 part by mol to 1 part by mol of the nitroolefin.

Examples of the organosilicon compounds having at least one silicon-hydrogen bond in the molecule used for the reaction of the present invention include poly (methylhydrosiloxane), hydride terminated poly (dimethylsiloxane), 1,1, 3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane, 1,1, 1,3, 5,5, 5-heptamethyltrisiloxane, tris (dimethylsilyloxy) methylsilane, tris (trimethylsilyloxy) silane, tetrakis (dimethylsilyloxy) silane, trimethoxysilane, triethoxysilane, phenylsilane, methylphenylsilane, diphenylsilane, diphenylmethylsilane, triphenylsilane, dimethylphenylsilane, 1, 2-bis (dimethylsilyl) benzene and 1, 4-bis (dimethylsilyl) benzene.

According to the first method of the present invention, the optically active nitro compound having two hydrogen atoms on its a-cabon atom and having ; 3-asymmetric carbon atom can be produced by making a, (3-unsaturated nitroolefin having a hydrogen atom on its ot-cabon

atom react with at least two organosilicon compounds having at least one silicon-hydrogen bond in the molecule in the presence of an asymmetric copper complex.

The optically active nitro compound, nitroolefin, organosilicon compound and asymmetric copper complex are mentioned above.

In the method, two or more kinds of the organosilicon compound are utilized. Typical combination is poly (methylhydrosiloxane) and at least one selected from the group consisting of phenylsilane, diphenylsilane and dimethylphenylsilane. In such case, the mixing ratio by mol of the poly (methylhydrosiloxane) to the phenylsilane, diphenylsilane and dimethylphenylsilane is usually 1 to 0.1-50, preferably 1 to 0.3-25.

The reaction is usually carried out at-78 to 100'C, preferably 0 to 50°C. The reaction time is usually 0.5 to 50 hours. The total amount of the organosilicon compounds used for the reaction is usually 1-10 parts by mol to 1 part by mol of the nitroolefin.

The reaction is usually carried out in an inert solvent. Examples of the solvent for the reaction include aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylene ; ethers such as diethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether and tetrahydrofuran ; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexane and heptane ; halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, chloroform and chlorobenzene ; esters such as ethyl acetate ; nitriles such as acetonitrile ; ketones such as acetone ; water and mixtures thereof. The solvent may be degassed of oxygen or air, under inert gas such as nitrogen and argon.

After the reaction, usual work-up procedure gives the objective optically active nitro compound. The reaction mixture is typically mixed with aqueous tetrabutylammonium fluoride solution, optionally added lipophilic organic solvent, extracted with the organic solvent and concentrated the organic layer to give the nitro compound. Examples of the organic solvent include aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylene ; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as hexane and heptane ; halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, chloroform, chlorobenzene and dichlorobenzene ; and ethers such as diethyl ether and methyl tert-butyl

ether. The isolated nitro compound can be purified by usual procedures such as distillation, recrystallization and so on. When the objective compound is the optically active amino compound corresponding to the nitro compound, the reaction mixture can be subjected to the following reduction procedure without isolation.

According to the second method of the present invention, the optically active nitro compound having two hydrogen atoms on its a-cabon atom and having (3-asymmetric carbon atom can be produced by making ce, ß-unsaturated nitroolefin having a hydrogen atom on its a-cabon atom react with an organosilicon compound having at least one silicon-hydrogen bond in the molecule in the presence of an asymmetric copper complex and water.

The optically active nitro compound, nitroolefin, organosilicon compound and asymmetric copper complex are mentioned above.

In this method, one kind of the organosilicon compound is sufficient for the reaction, though two or more kinds of the organosilicon compounds can be used. The amount of the organosilicon compound used for the reaction is usually 1-10 parts by mol to 1 part by mol of the nitroolefin.

The amount of water used for the reaction is usually one or more parts by mol to 1 part by mol of the nitroolefin. Water may be used in a large excess amount as a reaction solvent.

This method is usually carried out in a solvent and the solvent for the reaction is the same as the solvent for the reaction in the first method.

The method is usually carried out by mixing the optically active nitro compound, organosilicon compound, asymmetric copper complex and water in the solvent, and the mixing order is not restricted. The reaction temperature and reaction time are the same as the first method. Further, the work-up procedures after the reaction are the same as the first method.

Examples of the optically active nitro compound produced by the

first or second method include optically active compounds of <BR> <BR> <BR> 1-nitro-2-phenylpropane, 2- (4-methylphenyl)-1-nitropropane, 2- (4-chlorophenyl)-l-nitropropane, 2- (4-methoxyphenyl)-l-nitropropane, <BR> <BR> <BR> 2- (4-acetylphenyl)-l-nitropropane,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 1-nitro-2- (4-trifluoromethylphenyl) propane, 3-methyl-1-nitro-2-phenylbutane, 3-hydroxy-l-nitro-2-phenylpropane, 1-nitro-2, 3, 3-trimethylbutane, 3-hydroxy-2, 3-dimethyl-l-nitrobutane, 2,4, 4-trimethyl-1-nitropentane, 1-nitro-2-phenylpentane, <BR> <BR> <BR> 2-(2-naphthyl)-l-nitropropane, 3-(benzoylamino)-1-nitro-2-phenylpropane,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 3-acetamino-l-nitro-2-phenylpropane,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 3-(trifluoroacetamino)-1-nitro-2-phenylpropane,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> l-nitro-2- (pyridin-2-yl) propane, 2- (5-chloropyridin-2-yl)-1-nitropropane, 1-nitro-2- [(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]propane, 2- (furan-2-yl)-1-nitropropane, 2-furfuyl-1-nitropropane, 1-nitro-2-(thiophen-2-yl)propane, l-nitro-2- [(tetrahydropyranyloxy) methyllpropane and 1-nitro-2- [(tetrahydrofurfuryloxy) methyllpropane.

The optically active nitro compound produced by the first or second method can be subjected to a reduction process to provide an optically active amino compound, which has two hydrogen atoms on its a-cabon atom and has 8-asymmetric carbon atom. The nitro compound can be subjected to a reduction process without isolation, namely the reaction mixture can be subjected as it is after the reaction of the first or second method.

Typical example of the optically active amino compound is given by formula (3): wherein RI and R2 have the same meanings given above, and * indicates an asymmetric carbon, which is produced by the reduction of the optically active nitro compound

given by formula (1).

The reduction process is carried out according to a known method for reducing nitro group to amino group.

Typical method is reduction by hydrogen donor such as hydrogen, formic acid and ammonium formate in the presence of a metal catalyst.

Examples of the metal catalyst include noble metals such as palladium, ruthenium and platinum, and Raney nickel. Both of heterogeneous catalysts and homogeneous catalysts are available as the noble metal catalyst, however, heterogeneous catalysts are preferable because the recovery of the catalyst is easy. In the noble metal heterogeneous catalysts, the noble metal is supported on a suitable carrier such as activated carbon, silica and zeolite. The amount of the noble metal on the carrier is usually 0.1-20 parts, preferably 0. 2-10 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of the carrier. A carrier having a larger surface area is preferably used because it has higher reactivity. The noble metal supported on activated carbon is preferably used.

The amount of the noble metal used for the reduction is usually 0.02-2 parts by weight to the 100 parts by weight of the optically active nitro compound. When Raney nickel is used, the amount of the Raney nickel is usually 1-50 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of the optically active nitro compound.

The amount of the hydrogen donor is usually 3 parts by mol, practically 10 or more parts by mol to 1 part by mol of the optically active nitro compound.

The reaction is carried out under pressure or at atmospheric pressure. The reaction temperature is usually within the range between - 20 and 100°C and the reaction time is usually within the range between 0.5 and 24 hours.

The reaction is usually carried out in an inert solvent such as alcohol solvents (e. g. methanol, ethanol). When the reaction mixture of the first or second method is used as it is, an addition of the alcohol solvent is preferable.

After the reaction, usual work-up procedure gives the objective optically active amino compound. The reaction mixture is typically subjected to filtration for removing catalyst and then concentration and so on. The isolated amino compound can be purified by distillation, recrystallization and so on. It can also be purified by forming salt (e. g.

HCl salt), recrystallization and then making free.

Another typical method is carried out with a reducing agent from nitro group to amino group. Examples of the reducing agent include metal hydrides such as lithium aluminum hydride and sodium borohydride activated by cobalt chloride. The amount of the reducing agent is a theoretical amount or more.

The reducing reaction is usually carried out in an inert solvent such as ethers (e. g. tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether) and alcohol solvents (e. g. methanol, ethanol). When the reaction mixture of the first or second method is used as it is, an addition of the alcohol solvent is preferable.

The reaction temperature is usually within the range between-20 and 100°C and the reaction time is usually within the range between 0.5 and 24 hours.

After the reaction, usual work-up procedure gives the objective optically active amino compound. The reaction mixture is typically mixed with water or aqueous alkali solution for decomposing the residual reducing agent, extracted with an organic solvent under alkali or neutral condition, and then concentration and so on. The isolated amino compound can be purified by distillation, recrystallization and so on. It can also be purified by forming salt (e. g. HC1 salt), recrystallization and then making free.

In the reduction process, the configuration is maintained and the optically active amino compound corresponding to the configuration of the optically active nitro compound is obtained.

Examples of the optically active amino compound produced by the

first or second method include optically active compounds of 1-amino-2-phenylpropane, 1-amino-2-(4-methylphenyl)propane, 1-amino-2- (4-chlorophenyl) propane, 1-amino-2- (4-methoxyphenyl) propane, 2- (4-acetylphenyl)-1-aminopropane, l-amino-2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl) propane, 1-amino-3-methyl-2-phenylbutane, 1-maino-3-hydroxy-2-phenylpropane, 1-amino-2, 3, 3-trimethylbutane, 1-amino-3-hydroxy-2, 3-dimethylbutane, 1-amino-2, 4,4-trimethylpentane, 1-amino-2-phenylpentane, l-amino-2- propane, <BR> <BR> <BR> l-amino-3- (benzoylamino)-2-phenylpropane,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 3-acetamino-1-amino-2-phenylpropane,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> l-amino-3- (trifluoroacetamino)-2-phenylpropane, l-amino-2-(pyridin-2-yl) propane, 1-amino-2- (5-chloropyridin-2-yl) propane, 1-amino-2-[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]propane, 1-amino-2-(furan-2-yl)propane, l-amino-2-furfuylpropane, 1-amino-2-(thiophen-2-yl) propane, l-amino-2-[(tetrahydropyranyloxy) methyl] propane and 1'amino'2' [(tetrahydrofurfuryloxy)methyl]propane.

Examples The present invention will be further illustrated by the following examples ; however, the present invention is not limited to these examples.

In the following examples, the ratio of (R)/ (S) is measured by liquid chromatography analysis with optically active column.

Example 1 In a lOmL Schlenk-flask, 6. 8mg of cuprous tert-butoxide and 37.3mg of (S) -p-tol-BINAP were dissolved in 5ml of toluene. After stirring for 30 minutes at room temperature to give an asymmetric copper complex.

One hundred microliters (100 µ L) of this solution (containing 1 g mol of the asymmetric copper complex) were mixed with 4. 9ml of toluene, and 90 tu L (1. 5mmol) of poly (methylhydrosiloxane) (15-40mas (20°C), d=1.004g/mL, nD20=1. 398, produced by Fluka) and 221mg (1. 2mmol) of diphenylsilane were added thereto. After stirring for 5 minutes, 1 mmol of

(E)-l-nitro-2-phenyl-1-propene was added, and the mixture was further stirred for 24 hours at room temperature. Four milliliters (4mL) of a tetrahydrofuran solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (lmol/L) were added to the reaction mixture and stirring was continued for 3 hours.

Water was added and the mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (30mL X 2). After drying over sodium sulfate, the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate) to provide optically active l-nitro-2-phenylpropane.

Yield: 67% (R)/(S) = 86/14 1H-NMR (6, 300MHz, CDC13, 25°C) 7.34 (m, 2H), 7.25 (m, 3H), 4. 58 (dd, J=12.1, 7.5Hz, 1H), 4.49 (dd, J=12.1, 8. 1Hz, 1H), 3.64 (m, 1H), 1.39 (d, J=6.8Hz, 3H) Example 2 In a lOmL Schlenk-flask, 6.8mg of copper (I) tert-butoxide and 32.7mg (55 g mol) of (S) -p-tol-BINAP were dissolved in 5ml of toluene.

After stirring for 30 minutes at room temperature to give an asymmetric copper complex. This solution to the amount containing 1 µ mol of the asymmetric copper complex were mixed with 4. 9ml of toluene, and 6 tt L (O. lmmol) of poly (methylhydrosiloxane) (15-40mas (20°C), d=1. 004g/mL, nD20=1. 398, produced by Fluka) were added thereto. Further, 185/-6 L of (1. 5mmol) of phenylsilane and 27 g L (1. 5mmol) of water were added.

After stirring for 5 minutes, 1 mmol of (E)-l-nitro-2-phenyl-1-propene was added, and the mixture was further stirred for 24 hours at room temperature. Four milliliters (4mL) of a tetrahydrofuran solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (lmol/L) were added to the reaction mixture and stirring was continued for 3 hours. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (30mL X 2). After drying over sodium sulfate, the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate) to provide optically active l-nitro-2-phenylpropane.

Yield: 60%

(R)/ (S) = 89/11 Example 3 The same procedure as Example 2, except that 1 µ mol of the asymmetric copper complex of (S)- (R)-JOSIPHOS was used in place of 1 µ mol of the asymmetric copper complex of (S)-p-tol-BINAP, provided optically active l-nitro-2-phenylpropane.

Yield: 77% (R)/ (S) = 94/6 Example 4 The same procedure as Example 3, except that (E)-2- (4-chlorophenyl)-1-nitro-1-propene was used in place of (E)-l-nitro-2-phenyl-l-propene, provided optically active 2- (4-chlorophenyl)-1-nitropropane.

Yield: 88% (R)/(S) = 95/5 Example 5 The same procedure as Example 4, except that 10gmol of the asymmetric copper complex of (S)- (R)-JOSIPHOS was used in place of 1 µ mol of the asymmetric copper complex of (S)- (R)-JOSIPHOS, provided optically active 2- (4-chlorophenyl)-l-nitropropane.

Yield: 89% (R)/ (S) = 95/5 Example 6 The same procedure as Example 5, except that (E)-2- (4-methoxyphenyl)-1-nitro-1-propene was used in place of (E)-2- (4-chlorophenyl)-1-nitro-1-propene, provided optically active 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-nitropropane.

Yield: 94% (R)/ (S) = 95/5 iH-NMR (6, 300MHz, CDCl3, 25°C) 7.15 (m, 2H), 6.87 (m, 2H), 4.51 (dd, J=11.8, 8. 1Hz, 1H), 4.45 (dd, J=11.8, 8. 1Hz, 1H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.59 (m, 1H), 1.36 (d, J=7.2Hz, 3H)

Example 7 The same procedure as Example 5, except that (E)-3-hydroxy-2, 3-dimethyl-1-nitro-1-butene was used in place of (E)-2- (4-chlorophenyl)-1-nitro-1-propene, provided optically active 3-hydroxy-2, 3-dimethyl-l-nitrobutane.

Yield: 66% (R)/ (S) = 95/5 Example 8 The same procedure as Example 7, except that 3, u mol of the asymmetric copper complex of (S)- (R)-JOSIPHOS was used in place of 10 g mol of the asymmetric copper complex of (S)- (R)-JOSIPHOS, provided optically active 3-hydroxy-2, 3-dimethyl-l-nitrobutane.

Yield : 55% (R)/ (S) = 97/3 Example 9 The same procedure as Example 7, except that (S)-p-tol-BINAP was used in place of (S)- (R)-JOSIPHOS, provided optically active 3-hydroxy-2, 3-dimethyl-1-nitrobutane.

Yield: 60% (R)/ (S) = 93/7 Example 10 The same procedure as Example 9, except that (Z)-2-methyl-1-nitro-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-1-propene was used in place of <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (E) -3-hydroxy-2, 3-dimethyl-1-nitro-1-butene, provided optically active<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 2-methyl-1-nitro-3-tetrahydropyranyloxypropane.

Yield : 76% (R)/ (S) = 83/17 Example 11 The same procedure as Example 10, except that (S)- (R)-JOSIPHOS was used in place of (S)-p-tol-BINAP, provided optically active 2-methyl-l-nitro-3-tetrahydropyranyloxypropane.

Yield: 62%

(R)/ (S) = 93/7 Example 12 The same procedure as Example 11, except that lumol of the asymmetric copper complex of (S)- (R)-JOSIPHOS was used in place of 10 g mol of the asymmetric copper complex of (S)-(R)-JOSIPHOS, provided optically active 2-methyl-1-nitro-3-tetrahydropyranyloxypropane.

Yield: 81% (R)/(S) = 93/7 Example 13 The same procedure as Example 11, except that (E)-2-methyl-1-nitro-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-1-propene was used in place of (Z)-2-methyl-1-nitro-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-l-propene, provided optically active 2-methyl-1-nitro-3-tetrahydropyranyloxypropane.

Yield: 82% (R)/ (S) = 84/16 Example 14 The same procedure as Example 12, except that (E)-2-methyl-1-nitro-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-1-propene was used in place of (Z)-2-methyl-1-nitro-3-tetrahydropyranyloxy-1-propene, provided optically active 2-methyl-1-nitro-3-tetrahydropyranyloxypropane.

Yield: 77% (R)/(S) = 83/17 Example 15 The same procedure as Example 5, except that (Z)-3-methyl-1-nitro-2-phenyl-1-butene was used in place of (E)-2- (4-chlorophenyl)-1-nitro-1-propene, provided optically active 3-methyl-1-nitro-2-phenylbutane.

Yield: 83% (R)/ (S) = 97/3 Example 16 The same procedure as Example 5, except that (E)-l-nitro-2-phenyl-1-pentene was used in place of

(E)-2- (4-chlorophenyl)-1-nitro-1-propene, provided optically active l-nitro-2-phenyl-1-pentane.

Yield: 86% (R)/ (S) = 96/4 Example 17 In a IOmL Schlenk-flask, 6.8mg of copper (1) tert-butoxide and 55 g mol of (S)- (R)-JOSIPHOS were dissolved in 5ml of toluene. After stirring for 30 minutes at room temperature to give an asymmetric copper complex. This solution to the amount containing 10 A mol of the asymmetric copper complex were mixed with 4. 9ml of toluene, and 6 u L (O. lmmol) of poly (methylhydrosiloxane) (15-40mas (20°C), d=1.004g/mL, nD20=1.398, produced by Fluka) were added thereto. Further, 185 u L of (l. 5mmol) of phenylsilane and 27 L (l. 5mmol) of water were added.

After stirring for 5 minutes, 1 mmol of (E)-l-nitro-2- (pyridin- 2-yl)-1-propene was added, and the mixture was further stirred for 24 hours at room temperature. Water was added to the reaction mixture and the product was extracted with diethyl ether (30mL X 2). After drying over sodium sulfate, the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate) to provide optically active 1-nitro-2- propane.

Yield: 55% (R)/(S) = 86/14 Example 18 The same procedure as Example 5, except that (E)-1-nitro-2-(furan-2-yl)-1-propene was used in place of (E)-2- (4-chlorophenyl)-1-nitro-1-propene, provided optically active l-nitro-2-(furan-2-yl) propane.

Yield: 72% (R)/(S) = 95/5 Example 19 The same procedure as Example 5, except that (E)-1-nitro-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-1i-propene was used in place of

(E)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-nitro-l-propene, provided optically active 1-nitro-2-(thiophen-2-yl)propane.

Yield: 73% (R)/ (S) = 92/8 Example 20 The same procedure as Example 17, except that (E)-3-hydroxy-1-nitro-2-phenyl-1-propene was used in place of (E)-l-nitro-2- (pyridin-2-yl)-l-propene, provided optically active 3-hydroxy-1-nitro-2-phenylpropane.

Yield: 55% (R)/ (S) = 96/4 Example 21 The same procedure as Example 17, except that (Z)-3-hydroxy-1-nitro-2-phenyl-1-propene was used in place of (E)-l-nitro-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1-propene, provided optically active 3-hydroxy-1-nitro-2-phenylpropane.

Yield: 70% (R)/(S) = 94/6 Example 22 The same procedure as Example 5, except that (Z)-l-nitro-2-phenyl-3-trifluoroacetamino-1-propene was used in place of (E)-2- (4-chlorophenyl)-1-nitro-1-propene, provided optically active 1-nitro-2-phenyl-3-(trifluoroacetamino)propane.

Yield: 73% (R)/ (S) = 89/11 Example 23 The same procedure as Example 5, except that (Z)-3-benzoylamino-1-nitro-2-phenyl-1-propene was used in place of (E)-2- (4-chlorophenyl)-1-nitro-1-propene, provided optically active 3-(benzoylamino)-1-nitro-2-phenylpropane.

Yield: 70% (R)/ (S) = 95/5

Example 24 In a lOmL Schlenk-flask, 6.8mg of copper (I) tert-butoxide and 55 g mol of (S)-(R)-JOSIPHOS were dissolved in 5ml of toluene. After stirring for 30 minutes at room temperature to give an asymmetric copper complex. This solution to the amount containing 10 it mol of the asymmetric copper complex were mixed with 4. 9ml of toluene. Further, 185 it L of (1. 5mmol) of phenylsilane and 27 g L (1. 5mmol) of water were added thereto. After stirring for 5 minutes, 1 mmol of (E)-2- (4-acetylphenyl)-1-nitro-1-propene was added, and the mixture was further stirred for 24 hours at room temperature. Four milliliters (4mL) of a tetrahydrofuran solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (lmol/L) were added to the reaction mixture and stirring was continued for 3 hours.

Water was added and the mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (30mL X 2). After drying over sodium sulfate, the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate) to provide optically active 2- (4-acetylphenyl)-l-nitropropane.

Yield: 86% (R)/(S) = 95/5 Example 25 In a lOmL Schlenk-flask, 8mg of copper (I) chloride and 8mg of sodium tert-butoxide and 110mg of (S) -p-tol-BINAP were dissolved in 6ml of toluene. After stirring for 15 minutes at room temperature to give an asymmetric copper complex. Into this solution, 360 g L (6. 0mmol) of poly (methylhydrosiloxane) (15-40mPas (20C), d=1.004g/mL, nD20=1. 398, produced by Fluka) and 32mg of water were added. After stirring for 5 minutes, 1. 5mmol of (E)-l-nitro-2-phenyl-1-propene were added, and the mixture was further stirred for 22 hours at room temperature. lH-NMR analysis showed that the objective optically active l-nitro-2-phenylpropane was provided in 50% yield. A by-product, l-nitro-2-phenyl-2-propene was provided in 4% yield.

The reduction of the nitro compound obtained by the above-mentioned

method for producing the optically active amino compound is given by the following example.

Example 26 Under argon atmosphere, 121mg of optically active l-nitro-2-phenylpropane (732 g mol) were dissolved in 5mol of dry methanol and 50mg of palladium on charcoal (10%) were added thereto. The obtained suspension was vigorously stirred under hydrogen atmosphere for 24 hours. The mixture was filtered and the solid was washed with methanol. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in 2ml of benzene. The solvent was evaporated to give 95mg of an optically active l-amino-2-phenylpropane as a colorless oil (703 g mol).

Yield: 96% Industrial Applicability The present invention provides a method for producing optically active nitro compounds and amino compounds which are useful for synthetic intermediates for fine chemicals, medicaments, pesticides and so on.