New Diphosphinite Ligands Derived from Mannitol for Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Ketones.

Abstract We have developed new electron rich chiral bisphosphinites from mannitol. The new ligands have been found to be efficient chiral auxiliaries for rhodium catalyzed hydrogenation of functionalized ketones leading to hydroxy compounds in up to 86% ee.