New cyclic aminals derived from rac-trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane: synthesis and crystal structure of racemic 1,8,10,12-tetraazatetracyclo[8.3.1.1.8,1202,7] pentadecane and a route to its enantiomerically pure (R,R) and (S,S) isomers

New enantiomerically pure macrocyclic aminals (2R,7R)- and (2S,7S)-1,8,10,12-tetraazatetracyclo8.3.1.1.^8,120^2,7]pentadecane (4a and 4b) were obtained by a three component reaction between their respective pure enantiomer of trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, ammonia, and formaldehyde. Additionally, the X-ray structure of the racemic compound 4 and the specific rotations of the racemic and optically pure compounds were determined. To further understand the synthetic utilities of enantiomers 4a and 4b, Mannich-type reactions with 1H-benzotriazole were performed, affording (3aR,7aR)- and (3aS,7aS)-1,1′-{2,3,3a,4,5,6,7,7a-octahydro-1H-1,3-benzimidazole-1,3-diyl]bis(methylene)}bis-1H-benzotriazole (9 and 10) and allowing for new possibilities related to the preparation of chiral ligands for asymmetric catalysis.