Atropisomeric binaphthalene-core phosphacyclic derivatives in coordination chemistry and homogeneous catalysis

Binaphthophospholes and binaphthophosphepines have recently been synthesized. These are the first representatives of a new class of chiral ligands that include within the same structure an endocyclic phosphorus donor, a local C-2 symmetry and an axially chiral core. In this review we discuss the synthesis, chemical behaviour and first applications in asymmetric catalysis of these novel derivatives.