Asymmetric Biocatalytic Amination of Ketones at the Expense of NH3 and Molecular Hydrogen

A biocatalytic system is presented for the stereoselective amination of ketones at the expense of NH3 and molecular hydrogen. By using a NAD(+)-reducing hydrogenase, an alanine dehydrogenase, and a suitable omega-transaminase, the R- as well as the S-enantiomer of various amines could be prepared with up to >99% ee and 98% conversion.