Efficient Synthesis of Vitamin E Amines

A short and efficient Synthesis of all VE amines (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-tocopheramines and -tocotrienamines) in enantiopure form is described. These amino analogues of natural vitamin E compounds (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, delta-tocopherols and -tocotrienols) can be prepared by Pd-catalyzed N-arylation reactions on the corresponding triflates, synthesized under controlled conditions from the phenols. The benzophenone imine or benzylamine intermediates deliver the VE amines in high yield and purity after deprotection. The compounds prepared are key precursors of VE amides, which are of great interest. in the search for new therapeutics with antitumoral activity. ((c) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Germany, 2009)