Pd-catalyzed asymmetric reactions using resorcinol- and hydroquinone-based P∗,P∗-bidentate diamidophosphites

Readily available isomeric bisdiamidophosphites with P∗-stereocentres have been prepared using resorcinol and hydroquinone as simple and cheap starting materials. Palladium catalytic systems containing these P∗,P∗-bidentate ligands afforded 99% and 70% ees in asymmetric allylic substitution and desymmetrization processes, respectively. The influence of the precatalyst, substrate, nucleophile, and solvent on the enantioselectivity is discussed.