Convenient route for the preparation of C 2 ‐symmetric (+)‐(2 R ,3 R )‐ and (−)‐(2 S ,3 S )‐2,3‐diphenylaziridine

Both enantiomers of the important chiral β‐amino alcohols erythro ‐2‐amino‐1,2‐diphenylethanol were obtained via the separation of diastereoisomeric N ‐chlorinated derivatives of racemic trans ‐stilbene oxide and (S)‐α‐methylbenzylamine. The incorporation of chlorine in these precursors facilitated both the separation of diastereoisomers and the removal of the α‐methylbenzyl chiral adjuvant. Each enantiopure β‐amino alcohol was converted (Mitsunobu conditions) into the corresponding trans ‐2,3‐diphenylaziridine in good overall yield. Chirality 10:95–99, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.