Various P∗-chiral phosphite-type ligands: their synthesis, stereochemistry and use in Pd-catalysed allylation

A new family of readily available modular phosphite, phosphoramidite and diamidophosphite ligands with P∗-stereocentres have been prepared from inexpensive optically active precursors. Using these novel ligands, up to 91% ee was achieved in Pd-catalysed asymmetric allylic amination. The catalytic performance is affected greatly by the structure of the phosphocentre of the ligand.