Avoiding the classical resolution during the synthesis of MeO-BIPHEP and 3,3′-disubstituted derivatives

The Ullmann coupling of 1 (R = H) gives a 2:1 mixture of diastereomers 2 (R = H) in 81% yield that are easily separated by silica gel chromatography. This procedure avoids the generally cumbersome and sometimes difficult resolution step with DBTA. Similar Ullmann couplings and separation of the corresponding diastereomers are employed with other derivatives of 1 (R = OtBu, iPr, Ph, and mesityl) ultimately affording a new series of 3,3′-disubsituted-MeO-BIPHEP derivatives. The use of these new derivatives in palladium-catalyzed asymmetric Heck reaction, Pd-catalyzed polyene cyclizations and rhodium-catalyzed hydrogenations is also reported.     

Synthesis, resolution and applications of 3,3′-bis(RO)-MeO-BIPHEP derivatives

A series of optically pure 3,3′-bis(RO)-MeO-BIPHEP derivatives are prepared and used in palladium catalyzed asymmetric transformations. The phosphine oxide of (±)-5 is prepared in four steps from p-methoxyphenol and resolved using the novel resolving reagent chloro(l-menthoxy)dimethylsilane. Subsequent conversions provide catalysts 8 and 9. Ligands 6, 7 and 10 are prepared in six steps from p-methoxyphenol and the phosphine oxides of 6 and 7, and 10 are resolved using di-p-toluoyl- and dibenzoyl-l-tartaric acid, respectively. (R)-3,3′-Bispivalate 8 is superior to the other catalysts in asymmetric Heck reaction with 2,3-dihydrofuran while (R)-(+)-bis(tolyloxy) 10 and (+)-(R)-sugar derivative 9 are better in the Pd-catalyzed polyene cyclization; however, the absolute sense of chirality in the product from the polyene cyclization was reversed to that obtained when (R)-(+)-BINAP and (R)-(+)-MeO-BIPHEP were used.