BINOL-derived phosphoramidites in asymmetric hydrogenation: can the presence of a functionality in the amino group influence the catalytic outcome?

Abstract

In discovering the remarkable catalytic properties of BINOL-derived phosphoramidites (binoP–NR₂), Dutch researchers recently achieved a long-awaited breakthrough in asymmetric catalysis. For the first time, easily accessible monodentate chiral P(III) ligands turned out to provide high enantioselectivities when used in rhodium-catalysed olefin hydrogenation. The simplest ligand representative of this family is MonoPhos™, which can be made straightforwardly from BINOL and hexamethylphosphorous triamide. Since the first publication dealing with such catalysts (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2000), a variety of binoP–NRR′ ligands have been reported in which the amino group bears a functional substituent or a stereogenic centre. This critical review examines the impact of the presence of such a functionality in the amino group on catalytic olefin hydrogenation reactions.