Difluorphos, an Electron‐Poor Diphosphane: A Good Match Between Electronic and Steric Features

Abstract

The π acidity makes the difference: The fluorinated diphosphane, difluorphos, is synthesized (see structure: purple=P, red=O, green=F, gray=C) and its stereoelectronic features are evaluated in theoretical and experimental studies. Its unusual π acidity explains the excellent results obtained with it in ruthenium-mediated asymmetric hydrogenation of fluorinated β-functionalized ketones. These results are better than those obtained with other biphenyl-based diphosphanes. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2004/z52453_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.