Corey–Itsuno Reduction of Ketones: A Development of Safe and Inexpensive Process for Synthesis of Some API Intermediates

A safe and inexpensive procedure for asymmetric reduction of ketones using in situ prepared <i>N</i>,<i>N</i>-diethylaniline borane (DEANB) and oxazaborolidine catalyst from sodium borohydride, <i>N</i>,<i>N</i>-diethylaniline hydrochloride and (<i>S</i>)-α,α-diphenylprolinol is described. This protocol is demonstrated successfully to manufacture enantiopure dapoxetine at the plant scale