The synthesis of chiral, C-2-symmetric 1,2-bis(phosphetano)benzenes 2 has b
een extended to the benzyl-substituted derivative 2c (R=CH2Ph). Stable ruth
enium and palladium complexes containing ligands 2 have been isolated. X-Ra
y diffraction studies have been performed on the monoborane adduct of 2a (R
=i-Pr) and on a palladium(II) complex of 2b (R=Me). (C) 1999 Elsevier Scien
ce Ltd. All rights reserved.