Recent advances in developing new axially chiral phosphine ligands for asymmetric catalysis

This review article illustrates the concept and approach for designing new C-2-symmetric chelating atropisomeric chiral phosphines containing g heterocyclic scaffolds. The versatility in structural modification is highlighted, and that it offers an effective avenue to access chiral ligands of diverse electronic and steric properties for optimization in various catalytic asymmetric transformations. In this article, the uses of atropisomeric chiral phosphines in some asymmetric transformations such as hydrogenation and alkyl-/arylation reactions will be discussed with reference to updated literature findings as well as the author's original research. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.