Asymmetric alkylation of N-(diphenylmethylene)glycine tert-butyl ester with 2-nitrobenzyl bromide followed by reductive cyclization provides (R)- and (S)-3-amino-3,4-dihydro-1H-quinolin-2-one in high yield and high enantiomeric excess. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.