Homochiral arsenic-/phosphorus-based ligands

The synthesis of homochiral phosphorus-based ligands has escalated dramatically over the last decade in the drive to develop new, and further fine tune existing, base structures of chiral auxiliaries that have had, and most certainly are continuing to have, a phenomenal impact in the arena of enantioselective catalysis. This review highlights the vast array of homochiral phosphorus-based ligands and their significantly fewer arsenic-based analogs, the key synthetic strategies used to prepare them and the significant roles that they have been employed in after coordination to a transition metal center.

► Structural diversity of homochiral phosphorus/arsenic-based ligands is highlighted. ► Key synthetic routes to these homochiral ligands are highlighted. ► Key roles of their metal-based complexes in asymmetric catalysis are highlighted.