Primary and secondary aminophosphines as novel P-stereogenic building blocks for ligand synthesis

The reactivity of the amino group of P-stereogenic aminophosphines allows the further elaboration of the aminophosphine unit whilst preserving the original chirality of the phosphorus atom (see picture; Rh green). P-stereogenic aminodiphosphine ligands can easily be prepared in optically pure forms, feature distinct structural and electronic characteristics, and can be used in asymmetric hydrogenation reactions.