Synthesis, resolution and absolute configuration of 4-amino-3-phenylpiperidine

Racemic cis-4-amino-1-benzyl-3-phenylpiperidine was prepared by reductive amination of the respective 4-piperidone via its oxime. The resolution of the racemate was accomplished by crystallization as the mandelate. The enantiomeric purity of this material was checked by NMR after derivatization to the corresponding camphorsulfonamide to be 97% ee. The absolute configuration of one enantiomer was confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction of the para-bromobenzenesulfonamide derivative.