Modular synthesis of the ClickFerrophos ligand family and their use in rhodium- and ruthenium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation

A series of diphosphine ClickFerrophos ligands (CF), based on a triazoleferrocene backbone, was synthesized in a four-step sequence via click chemistry methodology. In addition to the four previously synthesized ligands CF1, CF4, CF7 and CF10, six novel CF ligands CF2-3 and CF5-8 were prepared. Hydiogenation reactions of alkenes and ketones were significantly improved upon by using CF ligands as rhodium- or ruthenium-complexes in which the % ee values can be optimized by choosing the appropriate CF ligand depending on the substrate. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved