Rh(I) complexes with new C2-symmetric chiral diphosphoramidite ligands: Catalytic activity for asymmetric hydrogenation of olefins

The design and synthesis of three new C2-symmetric chiral diphosphoramidite ligands starting from simple and cheap building blocks have been developed. Rhodium(I) cationic complexes bearing these chelate ligands have been prepared and applied in asymmetric hydrogenation of model olefins. A rhodium complex with a diphosphoramidite containing a chiral diamine configurationally stable and two fluxional chiral biphenyl units gave higher enantioselectivity with increasing hydrogen pressure (87% ee) in the hydrogenation of dimethyl itaconate.