P(III) Ligands in Homogeneous Catalysis : Good Deeds and Misdeeds

Abstract

The use of P(III) compounds as ancillary ligands on transition metal species active in homogeneous catalysis often provides dramatic or subtle modifications of their activity and/or selectivity in the conversion of unsaturated substrates.¹ The versatile behaviour of P(III) ligands has been assessed to steric and electronic control on the co-ordination sphere of the metal centre.² This can be extended by the use of functionalized phosphanes.