The catalysed enantioselective formation of carbon-nitrogen bonds by the hydroamination reaction is reviewed. All examples deal with substrates containing non-activated carbon-carbon multiple bonds which are transformed either via intramolecular or intermolecular reactions. Structurally different complexes already provided nitrogen containing compounds/heterocycles with high enantioselectivities.

Ytterbium and lutetium ionic complexes derived from enantiopure substituted (R)-binaphthylamine ligands, of the general formula [Li(THF)n][Ln[(R)-C20H12(NR)2]2], have been investigated for the hydroamination/cyclization of several aminopentenes and an aminohexene. Complexes with isopropyl or cyclohexyl substituents on nitrogen atoms were found to be efficient catalysts under mild conditions for the formation of N-containing heterocycles with enantiomeric excesses up to 78%.