We were the first to characterise and develop the nitro-Mannich reaction for the stereoselective synthesis of 1,2-diamines. The method represents an extremely mild 2 step synthesis of 1,2-diamines from imines and nitro compounds, both of which are readily available. We have developed a number of asymmetric protocols which broaden the applicability of the nitronate partner in these reactions and significantly widens the scope of the reaction. We have used the reaction to make a variety of fused heterocyclic building blocks and devleloped a divergent synthetic route to the Vallesamidine, Strempeliopine and Schizozygine alkaloids.