Phospholylmethano P-chirogenic-phosphine-borane as P-(η2-BH3)-chelating ligands of rhodium (I): synthesis, characterization and asymmetric hydrogenation.

Abstract The stereoselective synthesis of new phospholylmethano P-chirogenic-phosphine-borane was achieved by P-C bond formation of the bridge, using electrophilic or nucleophilic P*-building blocks. These P1CH2P2*.BH3 ligands behaved as chelating (κ1-P1)-(η2-BH3) entities towards the cationic rhodium(I) centre. The resulting chiral rhodium complexes were tested in asymmetric rhodium catalyzed hydrogenation of methyl 2-(acetamido)acrylate.