[janapix]

I've been trying to come up with different ways of synthesizing alpha-amino ketones and thus far have:
(i) NH₃ reacting with an alpha-bromo ketone, where nucleophilic substitution enabled replacement of Br by NH₂. HBr by-product.

Is this feasible?
Are there other ways of making alpha amino-ketones? This is for an undergraduate laboratory assignment so the simpler the technique, the better.

If you could just tell me the reagents, reaction type (maybe reaction conditions as a bonus) I woul dbe very grateful.

[discodermolide]

I've been trying to come up with different ways of synthesizing alpha-amino ketones and thus far have:
(i) NH₃ reacting with an alpha-bromo ketone, where nucleophilic substitution enabled replacement of Br by NH₂. HBr by-product.

Is this feasible?
Are there other ways of making alpha amino-ketones? This is for an undergraduate laboratory assignment so the simpler the technique, the better.

If you could just tell me the reagents, reaction type (maybe reaction conditions as a bonus) I woul dbe very grateful.

Have a look at the following.
http://www.mendeley.com/research/synthesis-alpha-amino-ketones-via-selective-reduction-acyl-cyanides/
and

Org Lett. 2001 May 17;3(10):1519-21.
A simple preparation of ketones. N-protected alpha-amino ketones from alpha-amino acids.

[Honclbrif]

Protecting either the amine or the ketone is going to be essential, otherwise you will form an immine.

[Alberto_Kravina]

Neber Rearrangement could be a good route

[discodermolide]

Neber Rearrangement could be a good route

Nice. I was not aware of this reaction:))