| abstract |
New racemic and optically active phosphorus compounds have the formula (I), wherein R represents lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or a protected hydroxy group; R1 represents a pentagonal heteroaromate; R2 represents lower alkyl or lower alkoxy and n is 0, 1 or 2. These compounds having the formula (I), in the form of complexes with a group VIII metal, serve as catalysts for asymmetric hydrogenations and enantioselective displacements of hydrogen in prochiral allylic systems. |