Optically-active diamide derivatives

Abstract

A novel optically active diamide derivative represented by the following general formula is provided, which is useful as a starting material for asymmetric synthesis of optically active compounds, ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is an acyclic or cyclic, divalent atomic group containing at least one carbon atom which will, upon substitution of one of the heterocyclic groups in the formula with a nucleophilic reagent, stand as an asymmetric center in the substitution product; R.sup.2 is a substituent which has such a configuration and a molecular size that the regioselectivity in the substitution reaction of the heterocyclic group with the nucleophilic reagent can be determined by a stereo-chemical interaction thereof with the substituent R.sup.1, the steric configuration of the two asymmetric carbon atoms to which the R.sup.2 substituents are attached being identical; X is a sulfur atom or an oxygen atom; and n is an integer which is 1 or 2. Such a diamide derivative can be prepared by subjecting the corresponding dicarboxylic acid or an anhydride thereof to a condensation reaction with the corresponding heterocyclic compound in the presence of a condensation agent. The optically-active diamide derivative can be used in the reaction with a nucleophilic reagent to obtain an optically-active compound. The resulting compound can be further modified by subjecting it to reaction with another nucleophilic reagent or to hydrolysis.