Synthesis of the enantiomers of hexahydrodibenz[d,f]azecines.

Suzuki coupling procedures were used to make appropriate 2-(3-aminopropyl)- 2'-(2-mesyloxy)ethyl disubstituted biphenyl derivatives 19 and 20 from which the racemic hexahydrodibenz[d,f]azecines 3 and 4 were produced following intramolecular mesyloxy displacement in dilute solution. The enantiomers of the former azecine were prepared by use of an analogue of the biphenyl aminomesylate 19 having a chiral auxiliary bound to the amino group during the closure of the 10-membered ring. Absolute configurations were assigned by X-ray diffraction analysis of compound 28.