2,3-Diphenylbutane-1,4-diamine is prepared from 2,3-diphenylsuccinonitrile via the corresponding bis-acetamide. High level DFT-calculations show that the meso form of the diamine is stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds compared to the chiral stereoisomers. Imines are obtained in high yields by condensation of the diamine with the corresponding aldehydes. Two of the imines have been characterized by X-ray diffraction. In both structures the meso form is observed. Imines derived from cinnamaldehyde derivatives are transformed to bis gamma-lactams by the ruthenium catalyzed reaction with CO and ethylene.