Synthesis of Novel C 2 ‐Symmetrical Diamino Thioethers Derived from Amino Acids

Chiral β‐amino alcohols 2 , available from natural α‐amino acids by reduction, have been converted in a sequence of N ‐protection, O ‐activation, thioether formation, and deprotection to novel C 2 ‐symmetrical β,β′‐diamino thioethers 1 , which shall serve as chiral tridentate ligands in late transition metal complexes. Optical purity of compounds 1 was established by amide formation with (+)‐ O ‐acetylmandelic acid.