Synthesis of an optically active hydroxy diphosphine, a new ligand for asymmetric catalysis

Abstract The synthesis of (4R,5R)-4,5-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)-2-hydroxymethyl-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane 1 which is related to DIOP is described. The application of this new ligand in asymmetric catalysis is illustrated in the stereodifferentiating hydrogenation.