Synthesis of (1R, 1R')-2,6-bis[1-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]pyridine and its application in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(95)02298-8

A C₂ symmetric tridentate ligand, (1R, 1R') 2,6-Bis[1-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]pyridine, has been synthesized in enantiomerically pure form. A practical method to synthesize a variety of chiral pyridyl diols is reported. Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation is achieved using the tridentate ligand.