Process for synthesis of amino-methyl tetralin derivatives

A method of producing a compound of formula k1 or k2

• wherein:
• m is 0 or 1;
• n is from 0 to 3;
• Ar is:
• aryl;
• or heteroaryl, each of which may be optionally substituted with:
• halo;
• C1-6alkyl;
• C1-6alkoxy;
• cyano;
• hydroxy;
• C1-6alkylsulfonyl;
• or halo-C1-6alkyl;
• Y is —O—;
• —S(O)p— or —N—Ra wherein p is from 0 to 2 and Ra is hydrogen or C1-6alkyl;
• and
• R1 is:
• halo;
• C1-6alkyl;
• C1-6alkoxy;
• or halo-C1-6alkyl;
• the method comprising:
• reducing a dihydronapthalene amide compound of formula i
• with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst of formula j1 or j2
• Ru(Z)2(L) j1;
• Ru(E)(E′)(L)(D) j2;
• wherein:
• D is an optionally chiral diamine;
• E and E′ are both halo, or E is hydrogen and E′ is BH4;
• L is a chiral diphosphine ligand;
• and
• Z is:
• halo or Rb—CO2− (carboxylate) wherein Rb is:
• C1-6alkyl;
• halo-C1-6alkyl;
• C1-6alkoxy;
• aryl optionally substituted with halo;
• or heteroaryl optionally substituted with halo.