Chiral pyrophosphites -: synthesis and application as ligands in Rh(I)-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation

Enantiopure pyrophosphites have been prepared for the first time based upon two independent synthetic pathways. The new ligands based on binaphthols, which are remarkably stable towards oxidation, were tested in the Rh(I)-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of functionalized olefins, where up to 70% ee could be achieved. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.