Chiral trifluoromethylphosphines: a new stereoselective synthesis of Josiphos-type ligands containing two stereogenic phosphorus atoms

Intramolecular nucleophilic substitution of a trifluoromethyl group to form a 1,2-diphosphole derivative followed by the sequential addition of an alkylating agent and a carbanion are the key steps in the stereoselective synthesis of novel ferrocenyl diphosphines for asymmetric catalysis.