A New, Short, and Stereocontrolled Synthesis of C2-Symmetric 1,2-Diamines.

The previously unknown 5-spirocyclohexylisoimidazole has been made efficiently and simply by reaction of ammonia, glyoxal hydrate, and cyclohexanone. It is a very useful precursor for the diastereocontrolled synthesis of many C2-symmetric 1,2-diamines, a class which is important for the generation of a variety of C2-symmetric reagents and catalysts for enantioselective synthesis.