Synthesis of diphosphites from trans, trans-spiro[4.4]nonane-l,6-diol and their application in rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydroformylation of styrene

Chiral diphosphite ligands were prepared by the reaction of (1R,5S,6R)-(trans, trans)-spiro[4.4]nonane-1,6-diol with chlorophosphites. The rhodium(I) complexes containing these ligands were tested in the asymmetric hydroformylation of styrene and moderate enantioselectivity (up to 49% ee) was obtained. A pair of diastereomers 5a and 5b gave the opposite configuration of the product, which implies that the sense of enantioface selection is mainly dictated by the configuration of the terminal group on the ligand.