Phosphonites based on the paracyclophane backbone: new ligands for highly selective rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation.

[reaction--see text] The synthesis of new phosphonites with a chiral paracyclophane backbone is described. The rhodium complexes derived from the phosphonites bearing biphenoxy and binaphthoxy substituents are highly active and highly selective catalysts for the asymmetric hydrogenation of dehydroamino acids and esters.

A catalyst for efficient and highly enantioselective hydrogenation of aromatic, heteroaromatic, and alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones

PhanePhos-ruthenium-diamine complexes catalyze the asymmetric hydrogenation of a wide range of aromatic, heteroaromatic, and alpha, beta-unsaturated ketones with high activity and excellent enantioselectivity.