Abstract

Recent developments in the synthesis of chiral phosphorus ligands are summarized. Main emphasis is given to the multitude of protocols for their synthesis starting from compounds of the chiral pool or by using other easily available chiral starting materials. Besides mono- and bidentate P-ligands hybrid ligands bearing N, O, or olefinic groups as second ligating units are addressed. The syntheses of new P-chirogenic ligands, as well as ligands with supramolecular structures are likewise reviewed. In appropriate cases structures of related privileged ligands are given for comparison. When available, the efficiency of the new ligands for metal catalyzed reactions are briefly assessed.