Electronically varied quinazolinaps for asymmetric catalysis

The synthesis and resolution of electronically varied axially chiral Quinazolinaps is reported. These ligands bear different aryl groups on the donor phosphorus atom and were synthesised as part of our investigations into electronic effects within this ligand class. A diastereomerically pure palladacycle of one ligand was characterised by X-ray crystallography. The application of these Quinazolinaps to the rhodium-catalysed hydroboration of vinylarenes resulted in enantioselectivities of up to 92%. Their application to the palladium-catalysed allylic alkylation of 1,3-diphenylprop-2-enyl acetate resulted in conversions of up to 99% and enantioselectivities of up to 94%.