Regio- and stereospecific syntheses of syn- and anti-1,2-imidazolylpropylamines from the reaction of 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole with syn- and anti-1,2-amino alcohols.

The regio- and stereospecific conversion of syn- and anti-1,2-amino alcohols to their respective syn- and anti-1,2-imidazolylpropylamines via treatment with 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole is described. The rationale behind the regio- and stereospecific nature as well as the generality of the reaction is discussed.