Abstract: The one aspect of this invention relates to a process for making cis-vicinal tertiary diamines of general formula: ##STR1## wherein n is from 2-8, and NR.sub.21 is selected from a group including N-piperidino, N-pyrrolidino, dialkylamino containing C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 straight or branched alkyl groups optionally substituted by C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 cycloalkyl groups. The process comprises the formation of a cyclic aminoenamine and the stereospecific catalytic hydrogenation of cyclic aminoenamine to a cis diamine. Another aspect of this invention involves the uses of cis-vicinal tertiary diamines as catalysts of organolithium initiated anionic polymerization of 1,3-dienes, as anti-neoplastic agents and as bacteriacides.