Synthesis of a rigid and optically active poly(BINAP) and its application in asymmetric catalysis

The first rigid and sterically regular chiral poly [2,2'-bis(diphenylphosph ino)-1,1'-binaphthyl] [poly(BINAP)] is synthesized. The application of this polymer ligand in asymmetric hydrogenations is examined. High enantioselec tivity for the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones is achieved. The catalyt ic properties of the poly(BINAP)-based catalysts are very similar to those of the BINAP catalysts. This study further demonstrates that rigid and ster ically regular polymer structures are able to preserve the catalytic proper ties of monomer catalysts. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.