A new class of C2-symmetric diphosphine ligands derived from valine:: remarkably diverse behavior in catalytic asymmetric transformations

A new C-2-symmetric diphosphine ligand 8a was readily prepared in one step by treatment of the synthetic precursor of VALAP, 7, with phthaloyl chloride. Remarkably high levels of asymmetric induction, over 99% ee, were achieved using 8a in palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic transformations of sterically less demanding cyclohexenyl substrates 9. The ligand system was easily extended to the development of analogous chiral auxiliaries 8b,c by the identical procedure but using isophthaloyl chloride and succinyl chloride. However, the ligands 8b,c exhibited much lower catalytic activity. In contrast to the asymmetric allylic substitutions, Sc demonstrated significant improvement of enantioselectivity, up to 64% ee, in rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrosilylations of acetophenone 11a compared to 35% ee using 8a. In this way, the versatility of the present ligand system played an important role in variations of substrates and reaction types. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.