Novel α-pinene-derived mono- and bisphosphinite ligands: Synthesis and application in catalytic hydrogenation

► Novel mono- and bisphosphinite (-)-pinane-based ligands have been synthesized from (-)-α-pinene. ► Mixed with [(COD)2Rh]+[BF4]-, they displayed moderate up to high catalytic activity in hydrogenation of dimethyl itaconate. ► Complete hydrogenation of dimethyl itaconate with monophosphinite ligands has been carried out in MeOH at room temperature or 40 °C.