Planar Chiral Phosphines Derived from [2.2]Paracyclophane

[2.2]Paracyclophane offers an exciting framework for the synthesis of planar chiral phosphines. Its rigid structure and unusual electronic properties have led to the development of a range of mono- and di-phosphines including the commercially available ligand, PhanePhos. This review discusses the synthesis and use of [2.2]paracyclophane-based phosphines and aims to give an insight into their success and failures. It is hoped that this review will encourage the design of new planar chiral phosphines for use in transition metal-mediated catalysis and organocatalysis.