Optically Active 1,1′-Di-<i>tert</i>-butyl-2,2′-diphosphetanyl and Its Application in Rhodium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenations

Abstract

(1S,1′S,2R,2′R)-1,1′-Di-tert-butyl-2,2′-diphosphetanyl was prepared from tert-butylphosphine via phosphine-boranes as intermediates. The rhodium complex of the ligand was used as a highly efficient catalyst in asymmetric hydrogenations of α-acetyl­aminoacrylates and α-substituted enamides.