Pure (
Z)-enamines readily prepared from
![](/images/gifchars/beta2.gif)
-ketoesters and amides using (
S)-phenylglycine amide were hydrogenated with very high diastereoselectivities (up to 200:1) using heterogeneous catalysis. Hydrogenolytic cleavage of the (
S)-phenylglycine amide afforded the corresponding chiral
![](/images/gifchars/beta2.gif)
-aminoesters and amides. The high geometrical purity of the (
Z)-enamine and a simple activation procedure for the PtO
2 catalyst are essential in achieving high selectivity.