The reaction of anilines and phenylacetaldehydes in the presence of chiral phosphoric acid afforded optically active 1,2-trans, 2,3-cis 1,3-diaminotetralins in high yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities. The trans/cis product was readily isomerized to a trans/trans stereoisomer with no significant loss of enantiomeric purity.