Stereoselective synthesis of cis- and trans-3-fluoro-1-phenylcyclobutyl amine

A stereoselective approach to the synthesis of cis- and trans-3-fluoro-1-phenylcyclobutylamine has been developed. Excellent stereoselectivity was obtained by the reduction of the appropriately substituted cyclobutanone to give either cis- or trans-isomers of 3-hydroxyl-1-phenylcyclobutylamine, which was stereoselectively converted to the 3-fluoro derivative.