The reaction between primary amines and cis-1,2,2 trimethylcyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic anhydride (3) has been shown to be regioselective for the less hindered carbonyl group. Kinetic resolution was observed when racemic primary amines and the (1R,3S) anhydride (3) were used. Similar stereoselectivity was found in the alternative reaction between racemic (3) and optically active primary amines. In both cases, the absolute configuration of the more reactive enantiomeric amine or anhydride could be correlated with a model (7).

The use of (3) is recommended for the prediction of the absolute configurations of racemic and optically active primary amines.