Highly Modular P‐O‐P Ligands for Asymmetric Hydrogenation

The preparation of a library of new P‐O‐P ligands (phosphine‐phosphites and phosphine‐phosphinites), easily available in two synthetic steps from enantiopure Sharpless epoxy ethers, is reported. The “lead” catalyst of the series has proven to have outstanding catalytic properties in the rhodium‐catalysed asymmetric hydrogenation of a wide variety of functionalised alkenes (16 examples). The excellent performance and modular design of the catalysts makes them attractive for future applications.