A new and efficient asym. synthetic route of (R)-a-substituted benzylamines I (R = alkyl cyclohexyl, PhCH2, 4-, 3-MeOC6H4CH2) via ketimine intermediate II, using (+)-camphor as chiral auxiliary reagent and benzylamine as starting material has been reported. Deprotonation of compound II with butyllithium followed by reaction with alkyl halides gave the alkylated products II with high diastereoselectivity. After transamination of II with hydroxylamine acetate the (R)-a-substituted benzylamines I in optical purity of 4.6-90% are obtained and (+)-camphor is recovered as its oxime.

Key words: BENZAMINE P, BENZAMINE P, CONDENSATION REACTION, OPTICAL PROPERTIES, ALKYLATION, BENZYL GROUP, BENZYL GROUP, BUTYLLITHIUM, HALOHYDROCARBON, STEREOSELECTIVITY