EP1761549A1

EP1761549A1 - Process for the preparation of asymmetrically substituted biaryldiphosphines

Info

Publication number: EP1761549A1
Application number: EP05751951A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hanspeter Mettler; Frédéric LEROUX; Manfred Schlosser
Original assignee: Lonza AG
Current assignee: Lonza AG
Priority date: 2004-06-25
Filing date: 2005-06-06
Publication date: 2007-03-14
Also published as: WO2006002730A1; JP2008503507A; CN1972953A; JP4519912B2; BRPI0512571A; IL179980A0; KR20070029263A

Abstract

Provided is a process for the preparation of asymmetrically substituted biaryldiphosphine ligands of the formula (I), wherein R1 is C1-6-alkyl or C3-10-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, and R2 and R3 are equal and are selected from the group consisting of aryl, C5-10-cycloalkyl and C1-6-alkyl, or R2 is C5-10-cycloalkyl or C1-6-alkyl, and R3 is aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C1-6-alkyl, C1-6-alkoxy and di-C1-6-alkylamino groups, and each C1-6-alkyl, C5-10-cycloalkyl, C1-6-alkoxy and di-C1-6-alkylamino group in R2 and R3 optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms, from 2,2’,6,6’-tetrabromobiphenyl by a sequence of brominemetal exchanges and subsequent reactions.

Description

Process for the preparation of asymmetrically substituted biaryldiphosphines

Preparation of enantiomerically pure compounds is important to improve the effect of pharmaceutically active compounds and to restrict unwanted side effects of the "wrong" isomers. The invention relates to a process for the preparation of asymmetrically substituted biaryldiphosphine ligands and transition metal complexes thereof for the hydrogenation of unsaturated prochiral compounds using said complexes.

Asymmetric catalytic hydrogenation is one of the most efficient and convenient methods for preparing a wide range of enantiomerically pure compounds. Providing methods for the precise control of molecular chirality of pharmaceutical active compounds and compounds thereof tends to play an increasingly important role in synthetic chemistry. Several diphosphine ligand families are commonly known with their trade names, for example BINAP, CHIRAPHOS, DIOP, DUPHOS, SEGPHOS and TUNAPHOS.

Methods for the preparation of biaryldiphosphine ligands of the BINAP, SEGPHOS and TUNAPHOS families are disclosed in EP-A-025 663, EP-A-850945 and WO-A-01/21625, respectively. Furthermore WO-A-03/029259 discloses a synthesis of a fluorine derivative of SEGPHOS and its use.

In Pai, C-C. et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 2002, 43, 2789-2792 the use of methylenedioxo and ethylenedioxo substituted biaryldiphosphine ligands for the asymmetric hydrogenation of ethyl 4-chloro-3-oxobutyrate is described. Further examples for the preparation of biaryldi¬ phosphines and asymmetric hydrogenation reactions using catalysts derived from biaryldi- phosphine ligands are disclosed in EP-A-O 926 152, EP-A-O 945 457 and EP-A-O 955 303. Usually both symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted biaryldiphosphines are claimed, though only examples of symmetrically substituted ligands are disclosed. With only few specific exceptions, no general applicable synthetic route to unsymmetrically substituted biaryldiphosphines and catalysts derived therefrom is disclosed.

Biaryl diphosphine ligands consist of three different moieties, a rigid biaryl core, substi- tuents to hinder biaryl rotation and usually two phosphine groups with voluminous substituents to complex a transition metal. Known examples of ligand systems have symmetric substitution patterns of the core and identical phosphine groups. As a rare example WO-A-02/40492 discloses asymmetric hydrogenation of ethyl 4-chloro- 3-oxobutyrate, using a catalyst containing the ligand (S)-6-methoxy-5',6'-benzo- 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-biphenyl. The (5)-alcohol is obtained with an enantiomeric excess (ee) of 83%.

EP-A-O 647648 and WO-A-02/40492 claim diphosphines with asymmetrically substituted biaryl core, but the disclosed synthetic principles are not suitable to produce a broad variety of different asymmetrically substituted biaryldiphosphine ligands.

For the synthesis of the inventive asymmetric biaryldiphosphines a major obstacle had to be overcome as depicted in Scheme 1. Any 2'-diphenylphosphino-2-lithiobiphenyl genera¬ ted as an intermediate failed to yield an asymmetrically substituted biaryldiphosphine by condensation with a second chlorodiorganylphosphine component, if a single fluorine, chlorine or bromine atom or a single methoxy or dimethylamino group was attached to the 6-position (Miyamoto, T.K. et al., J. Organomet. Chem. 1989, 373, 8-12; Desponds, O., Schlosser, M., J. Organomet. Chem. 1996, 507, 257). The compounds undergo nucleo- philic substitution at the phosphorus atom and cyclization to afford lH-benzo[b]phosph- indole (9-phosphafluorene). Known unsuccessful approaches to the inventive ligands are depicted in Scheme 1 below.

Here and hereinbelow the term "enantiomerically pure compound" comprises optically active compounds with an enantiomeric excess (ee) of at least 90 %.

Here and hereinbelow the term "C_1-n-alkyl" represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to n carbon atoms. C_1-6-alkyl represents for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, fer/-butyl, pentyl and hexyl.

Here and hereinbelow the term "Ci_-n-alkoxy" represents a linear or branched alkoxy group having 1 to n carbon atoms. C_1-6-alkoxy represents for example methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, fert-butoxy, pentyloxy and hexyloxy. Scheme 1: Unsuccessful approaches to asymmetrically substituted diphosphine ligands.

Here and hereinbelow the term "C_3-n-cycloalkyl" represents a cycloaliphatic group having 3 to n carbon atoms. Cs-io-cycloalkyl represents mono- and polycyclic ring systems such as cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, adamantyl or norborayl.

Here and hereinbelow the term "C_3-n-cycloalkoxy" represents a cycloalkoxy group having 3 to n carbon atoms. C_5-10-cycloalkyl represents for example cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, cycloheptyloxy, cyclooctyloxy or cyclodecyloxy.

Here and hereinbelow the term "di-Ci-6-alkylamino" represents a dialkylamino group comprising two alkyl moieties independently having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Di-C_1-6-alkyl- amino represents for example N,iV-dimethylamino, N,N-diethylamino, iV-ethyl- JV-methylamino, N-methyl-iV-propylamino, N-ethyl-N-hexylamino or iV,N-dihexylamino. Here and hereinbelow the term "aryl" represents an aromatic group, preferably phenyl or naphthyl optionally being further substituted with one or more halogen atoms, nitro and/or amino groups, and/or optionally substituted C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy or di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups.

Here and hereinbelow the term "C_1-3-alcohols" represents methanol, ethanol, propanol and isopropanol.

Here and hereinbelow the term "C_1-3-alkanoic acids" represents formic acid, acetic acid and propanoic acid.

Considering the high stereocontrol and efficient action of enzymes, i.e. natural catalysts, great effort is spent to improve selectivity and efficiency of artificial catalysts, particularly for the production of pharmaceutically interesting compounds.

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention was to provide a method for the tailored synthesis of a series of biaryldiphosphines. A further problem to be solved was to establish said process in a robust manner to provide suitable amounts of ligands for the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, the general concept should start with an easily available compound and should contain few reaction steps, allowing the synthesis of a wide variety of ligands, only depending on the reaction sequence.

The problem could be solved according to the process of claim 1.

Provided is a process for the preparation of asymmetrically substituted biaryldiphosphine ligands of the formula

wherein R¹ is C_1-6-alkyl or C_3-10-cycloalkyl optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms, and

R² and R³ are equal and are selected from the group consisting of aryl, C_5-1o-cycloalkyl and Q-6-alkyl, wherein each aryl moiety is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, or

R² is d-₆-alkyl or Cs-io-cycloalkyl, and R³ is aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_1-6-alkyl, C_t-₆-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, and each C_1-6-alkyl, Ci_-6-alkoxy, di-Cι-₆-alkylamino and C_5-1o-cycloalkyl group in R² and R³ optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms,

comprising a first reaction sequence, wherein one bromine atom of 2,2',6,6'-tetrabromo- biphenyl

is exchanged with OR¹ by bromine-metal exchange and subsequent metal-hydroxy exchange, followed by an alkylation, to afford a compound of formula

wherein R¹ is as defined above, and further reaction sequences, wherein each reaction sequence comprises at least one bromine-metal exchange and subsequent metal-substituent exchange with the respective substituent, thereby exchanging the respective bromine atoms with substituents selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, diarylphosphino, di-Cι_-6-alkylρhosphino and di-Cs-io-cycloalkylphosphino. The bromine-metal exchanges mentioned in the instant invention may be carried out with the required amount of the respective organometallic compound at a temperature below -40 °C ("low temperature bromine-metal exchange") or at a temperature of at last 0 °C ("high temperature bromine-metal exchange").

Chiral biaryldiphosphine ligands comprising a biaryl skeleton which is permanently twisted around the central carbon-carbon bond have two atropisomers. Asymmetric hydrogenation with transition metal complexes are preferably performed with one of the atropisomeres and optionally further chiral auxiliaries. Therefore, it should be appreciated that any reference to ligands of formula

wherein R¹, R² and R³ are as defined above, implicitly includes its atropisomers

I"-S, and V-R if not otherwise specified, e.g. by indicating their positive (+) or negative (-) optical rotation.

The undesired ring closure mentioned in Scheme 1 above can surprisingly be avoided by the inventive process. The reaction sequences of the present process for the preparation of compounds of formula I are depicted in Scheme 2. The synthetic approach of Scheme 2 starts with 2,2',6,6'-tetrabromo-l,r-biphenyl (III), wherein one bromine atom of III is replaced by an alkoxy or cycloalkoxy group. Compound III can be obtained by condensation of l,3-dibromo-2-iodobenzene (II) according to Rajca A. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 7272-7279. According to Scheme 2 tailoring of ligands of formula I can be achieved by modification of the order, reaction temperature and equivalent amounts of agents of only 5 basic reactions (a to e).

Scheme 2: Preparation of ligands I from 2,2',6,6'-tetrabromobiphenyl (III) replacing one bromine atom with an organyl group

R¹, R² and R³ as described therein,

[a-1] = 1 eq. low temperature bromine-metal exchange; [a-2] = 2 eq. low temperature bromine-metal exchange; [a-3] = 1 to 2 eq. high temperature bromine-metal exchange;

[b] = borane oxidation;

[c] = alkylation;

[d] = hydrogen quenching; [e-1] = 1 eq. metal-alkyl- or cycloalkylphosphine exchange; [e-2] = 2 eq. metal-alkyl- or cycloalkylphosphine exchange; [e-3] = 1 eq. metal-arylphosphine exchange; [e-4] = 2 eq. metal-arylphosphine exchange.

In a preferred embodiment, the first bromine-metal exchange of the compound of formula III is carried out with one equivalent of n-butyllithium at a temperature below -40 °C ("1 eq. low temperature bromine-metal exchange") in a polar solvent to afford a metallated intermediate. The following metal-hydroxy exchange is carried out by reacting the metallated intermediate with a borane or organoborate, and followed by reaction with a peroxy compound in the presence of an alkali and/or earth alkali hydroxide, and the alkylation is carried out with an alkylating agent in the presence of a base.

In a preferred embodiment, the borane or organoborate is fluorodimethoxyborane diethyl ether adduct, triisopropylborate or trimethylborate, preferably in ethereal solution.

In another preferred embodiment, the peroxy compound is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid and tert-bntyl hydroperoxide.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the alkali and/or earth alkali hydroxide in the reaction with the peroxy compound is selected from the group consisting of LiOH, NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH)₂ and Mg(OH)₂.

In a further preferred embodiment, the base of the alkylation reaction is an alkali and/or earth alkali hydroxide, selected from the group consisting of LiOH, NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH)₂ and Mg(OH)₂.

In a preferred process the alkylating agent is a C_1-6-alkyl halide, a C_5-10-cycloalkyl halide or dimethyl sulfate. Preferably the C_1-6-alkyl halide is a C_1-6-alkyl bromide or d-₆-alkyl iodide. Particularly preferred the alkylating agent is iodomethane or dimethyl sulfate.

In a preferred process, wherein a further reaction sequence is carried out starting from compounds of formula IV above, comprising a low temperature bromine-metal exchange of two bromine atoms and subsequent metal-phosphine exchange, to afford a compound of formula

wherein R¹ is as defined above, and

R² and R³ are equal and are aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, and each C_1-6-alkyl, C_5-10-cycloalkyl, C^-alkoxy and di- C_1-6-alkylamino group in R² and R³ optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms, and the remaining bromine atom of the compound of formula V is replaced with hydrogen by high temperature bromine-metal exchange and subsequent reaction with a proton donor, to afford ligands of formula

wherein R¹, R² and R³ are as defined in compound V above.

Provided is also a process, wherein a further reaction sequence is carried out starting from compounds of formula IV above, comprising a low temperature bromine-metal exchange of one bromine atom of the aryl moiety containing two bromine atoms and subsequent metal-hydrogen exchange by reaction with a proton donor, to afford a compound of formula wherein R¹ is as defined above, and a further low temperature bromine-metal exchange of the remaining bromine atoms and subsequent metal-phosphine exchange, affording ligands of formula I, wherein R¹ is as defined above, and R and R are equal and are selected from the group consisting of aryl, C₅-io-cycloalkyl and C_1-6-alkyl, wherein each aryl moiety is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, Ci-₆-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-Ct-6-alkylamino groups, and each d-₆-alkyl, C_5-1O-CyCIo- alkyl, Q-₆-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino group in R² and R³ optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

Further provided is also a process, wherein a further reaction sequence is carried out starting from compounds of formula IV above, comprising a low temperature bromine- metal exchange of one bromine atom of the aryl moiety containing two bromine atoms and subsequent metal-hydrogen exchange by reaction with a proton donor, to afford a compound of formula VI, wherein R¹ is as defined above, and a low temperature bromine- metal exchange of one bromine atom and subsequent metal-phosphine exchange, to afford a compound of formula

wherein R¹ is defined above, and R² is C_5-10-cycloalkyl or C_1-6-alkyl, the C_1-6-alkyl or

C_5-10-cycloalkyl group optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms, and a high temperature bromine-metal exchange of the remaining bromine atom and subsequent metal-phosphine exchange, affording ligands of formula I, wherein R¹ and R² are as defined above, and R³ is aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-Ci-₆-alkylamino groups, and each C_1-6-alkyl, Cs.io-cycloalkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di- Ci-₆-alkylamino group in R³ optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

In a preferred embodiment, each low temperature bromine-metal exchange is carried out with an organometallic compound such as n-butyllithium, isopropylmagnesium chloride or lithium tributylmagnesate at a temperature below —40 °C, preferably in the range of -60 to -90 °C. In a preferred embodiment each low temperature bromine-metal exchange is carried out in a polar solvent, preferably containing tetrahydrofuran.

The removal of the last remaining bromine atom from compounds of formulae V and VII, as depicted in Scheme 2, requires different reaction conditions for the halogen-metal exchange. In this reaction sequence, in a preferred embodiment, the halogen-metal exchange is carried out with an organometallic compound such as n-butyllithium, tert- butyllithium, isopropylmagnesium chloride or lithium tributylmagnesate, at a temperature of at least 0 °C, preferably in the range of 0 to +40 ⁰C. The amount of the organometallic compound (1 to 2 equivalents) depends on the substituents attached to the biaryl moiety. In most cases one equivalent of the organometallic compound is sufficient to replace the halogen atom with the metal.

In a preferred embodiment the high temperature bromine-metal exchange is carried out in a solution containing toluene and/or tetrahydrofuran.

In a preferred embodiment the hydrogen donor is selected from the group consisting of Q-₃-alcohols, water, non-oxidizing inorganic proton acids, and C_1-3-alkanoic acids. Preferably the non-oxidizing inorganic proton acid is HCl.

Preferably, the reaction with the hydrogen donor (hydrogen quenching) is carried out at a temperature in the range of -60 to -90 ⁰C.

In a preferred embodiment the metal-phosphine exchange is carried out using a halo- phosphine of the formula ¥ VIII,

wherein X is chlorine, bromine or iodine and both substituents R are equal and are R² or R³, wherein R² and R³ are as defined above.

Depending on the intended substituents, the halophosphine of the formula VIII is selected from the group consisting of halodiarylphosphines, halodi-(C_5-10-cycloalkyl)phosphines and halodi-(C_1-6-alkyl)ρhosphines.

Each aryl substituent of the halodiarylphosphine moiety is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, d-₆-alkyl, C^-alkoxy and di-d-₆-alkylamino groups. Optionally each C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alk- oxy, di-Cι_-6-alkylamino and Cs-io-cycloalkyl group of the halophosphine of the formula VIII is substituted with one or more halogen atoms. In a preferred embodiment the halo¬ phosphine of the formula VIII is selected from the group consisting of halodiarylphos¬ phines and halodi-(C_5-10-cycloalkyl)ρhosphines, more preferably is chlorodicyclohexyl- phosphine, bromodicyclohexylphosphine, chlorodiphenylphosphine or bromodiphenyl- phosphine.

Provided are compounds of formula

wherein R¹ is d-₆-alkyl or C_3-10-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, and R² and R³ are equal and are selected from the group consisting of aryl, Cs-io-cycloalkyl and d-₆-alkyl, wherein each aryl moiety is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, d-₆-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-d-₆-alkylamino groups, or

R² is C_5-1o-cycloalkyl or C_1-6-alkyl, and R³ is aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, and each C_1-6-alkyl, C_5-10-cycloalkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino group in R² and R³ optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

Furthermore provided are compounds of formula

wherein R¹ is C_1-6-alkyl or C_3-10-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

Provided are compounds of formula

wherein R¹ is C_1-6-alkyl or C_3-i₀-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, and

R² and R³ are equal and are selected from the group consisting of aryl, Cs^o-cycloalkyl and Ci-₆-alkyl, wherein each aryl moiety is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, Q^-alkyl, Ct-₆-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, or

R² is C_5-10-cycloalkyl or C_1-6-alkyl, and R³ is aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, and each C_1-6-alkyl, Cs-_to-cycloalkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino group in R² and

R³ optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

The invention provides compounds of formula

wherein R¹ is C_1-6-alkyl or Ca-_to-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, and

R² is selected from the group consisting of aryl, C_5-10-cycloalkyl and Ci_-6-alkyl, wherein each aryl moiety is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkyl- amino groups, and each C_1-6-alkyl, Cs-io-cycloalkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino group in R² optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

Provided is the use of compounds of formula

wherein R¹ is Ci_-6-alkyl or C_3-10-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, and

R² and R³ are equal and are selected from the group consisting of aryl, C_5-10-cycloalkyl and Q-₆-alkyl, wherein each aryl moiety is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-Ci_-6-alkylamino groups, or R² is C5_-10-cycloalkyl or C_1-6-alkyl, and R³ is aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C^-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, and each Ci_-6-alkyl, C_5-1o-cycloalkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino group in R² and R³ optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms, for the preparation of catalytic active complexes of transition metals, preferably of ruthenium, rhodium or indium. Said catalytic active complexes of transition metals can be used for hydrogenating, preferably asymmetrically hydrogenating, of a compound containing at least one unsaturated prochiral system. Preferably the products obtained by said asymmetrically hydrogenating are enantiomerically pure compounds.

Several examples for general applicable methods for the preparations of catalysts and catalyst solutions are disclosed in Ashworth, T. V. et al. S. Afr. J. Chem. 1987, 40, 183- 188, WO 00/29370 and Mashima, K. J. Org. Chem. 1994, 59, 3064-3076.

In a preferred embodiment the hydrogen pressure during hydrogenating is in the range of 1 to 60 bar, particularly preferred in the range of 2 to 35 bar.

In a further preferred embodiment hydrogenating is carried out at a temperature in the range of O to 150 °C.

In a preferred embodiment, the compounds containing at least one unsaturated prochiral system are selected from the group consisting of compounds containing a prochiral carbonyl group, a prochiral alkene group or a prochiral imine group.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the compound containing at least one unsaturated prochiral carbonyl, alkene or imine group is selected from the group consisting of α- and β-ketoesters, α- and β-ketoamines, α- and β-ketoalcohols, acrylic acid derivatives, acylated enamines or N-substituted imines of aromatic ketones and aldehydes. Preferably the hydrogenation reactions are carried out with a catalyst solution in a polar solvent like C^-alcohols, water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF), acetonitrile (MeCN), ethers or mixtures thereof. Preferably the polar solvent contains methanol, ethanol or isopropyl alcohol or a mixture thereof. Particularly preferred, the solution may contain further additives. The present invention is illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

Examples:

Example 1: l,3-Dibromo-2-iodobenzene (II) Diisopropylamine (0.14 L, 0.10 kg, 1.0 mol) and 1,3-dibromobenzene (0.12 L, 0.24 kg, 1.0 mol) were consecutively added to a solution of n-butyllithium (1.0 mol) in tetrahydro- furan (2.0 L) and hexanes (0.64 L) at -75 °C. After 2 h at -75 °C, a solution of iodine (0.26 kg, 1.0 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (0.5 L) was added. The solvents were evaporated and the residue dissolved in diethyl ether (1.0 L). After washing with a 10% aqueous solution of sodium thiosulfate (2x0.1 L), the organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate before being evaporated to dryness. Upon crystallization from ethanol (1.0 L) 0.33 kg (91%) colorless platelets were obtained; m.p. 99 to 100 °C; ¹H-NMR (CHCl₃, 400 MHz): δ = 7.55 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.07 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, 2 H). C₆H₃Br₂I (361.80): calculated (%) C 19.92, H 0.84; found C 19.97, H 0.80.

Example 2: 2,2',6,6'-Tetrabromo-l,l'-biphenyl (III)

At -75 °C butyllithium (14 mmol) in hexanes (5.6 mL) was added to a solution of 1,3-di- bromo-2-iodobenzene (4.3 g, 12 mmol) in diethyl ether (0.18 L). After the solution was stirred for 2 h at -75 ⁰C, copper(II)chloride (9.7 g, 72 mmol) was added, and the reaction mixture was allowed to attain 25 °C over a 12 h period. Cold water was added to the reaction mixture and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2x0.10 L). The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate before being evaporated. 2,2',6,6'-tetrabromo-l,l'-biphenyl precipitates upon treatment of the residue with hexanes cooled to -20 °C. The product (9.0 g, 33%) is pure enough for further reaction; m.p. 214 to 215 °C; H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ = 7.67 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 4 H), 7.17 (t, J= 8.0 Hz, 2 H).

Example 3: 2,6,6'-Tribromo-2'-methoxy-l,l'-biphenyl (IVa; R¹ = Me)

To a solution of 2,2',6,6'-tetrabromo-l,r-biphenyl (47 g, 0.10 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (0.50 L) n-Butyllithium (0.10 mol) in hexanes (63 mL) was added at -75 °C. The mixture was consecutively treated with fluorodimethoxyborane diethyl ether adduct (19 mL, 16 g, 0.10 mol), a 3.0 M aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (36 mL) and 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide (10 mL, 3.6 g, 0.10 mol). The reaction mixture was neutralized at 25 °C with 2.0 M hydrochloric acid (0.10 L) and extracted with diethyl ether (3x0.10 L). The combined organic layers were washed with a 10% aqueous solution of sodium sulfite (0.10 L), dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated. The oily residue was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (0.20 L) before iodomethane (7.5 mL, 17 g, 0.12 mol) and potassium hydroxide powder (6.7 g, 0.12 mol) were consecutively added. After 1 h, water (0.50 L) was added and the product was extracted with diethyl ether (3x0.10 L). The organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated. Crystallization form ethanol (0.10 L) afforded 35 g (82%) product as colorless cubes; m.p. 184 to 185 ⁰C;

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ = 7.64 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 7.3 (m, 2 H), 7.11 (t, J= 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.96 (dd, J= 7.2, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.77 (s, 3 H); C₁₃H₉Br₃₀ (420.92): calculated (%) C 37.09, H 2.16; found C 37.10, H 2.03.

Example 4: 6-Bromo-2,6'-bis(diphenylphosphinyl)-2'-methoxy-l,l'-biphenyl (Va; R¹ = Me and R² = R³ = phenyl)

At -75 ⁰C, M-butyllithium (0.10 mol) in hexanes (57 mL) was added to a solution of com¬ pound IVa (21 g, 50 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (0.25 L). The reaction mixture was treated with a 2.0 M solution of chlorodiphenylphosphine (18 mL, 22 g, 0.10 mol) in tetrahydro¬ furan (50 mL). The mixture was allowed to reach 25 °C and treated with a saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride (0.20 L). The reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x0.10 L), and the combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvents and crystallization from ethyl acetate (0.10 L) afforded 23 g (71%) colorless needles; m.p. 224 to 226 °C (decomposition);

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ = 7.56 (dd, J= 8.0, 1.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.38 (dt, J= 7.0, 1.6 Hz, 2 H), 7.3 (m, 12 H), 7.1 (m, 6 H), 6.99 (ddd, J= 7.7, 2.9, 1.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.8 (m, 3 H), 6.63 (d, J= 8.6 Hz, 1 H), 3.01 (s, 3 H); ³¹P-NMR (CDCl₃, 162 MHz): δ = -10.1 (d, J= 24.6 Hz), -13.9 (d, J= 24.9 Hz); C₃₇H₂₉BrOP₂ (631.49): calculated (%) C 70.37, H 4.63; found C 69.13, H 4.60. Example 5: 2',6-Bis(diphenylphosphinyl)-2-methoxy-l,l'-biphenyl (Ia; R¹ = Me and R² = R³ = phenyl)

At 0 °C, n-butyllithium (50 mmol) in hexanes (30 mL) was added to a solution of com¬ pound Va (16 g, 25 mmol) in toluene (0.1 L). After 45 min at 25 °C, methanol (2 mL) was added followed by water (25 mL) and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (2x25 mL) and the combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate before being evaporated. Crystallization from dichloromethane (50 mL) afforded 7.9 g (57%) colorless prisms; m.p. 227 to 228 °C (decomposition); ¹H-NMR (CDC13, 400 MHz): δ = 7.3 (m, 18 H), 7.15 (dt, J= 6.8, 2.6 Hz, 4 H), 7.06 (dt, J = 7.3, 1.7 Hz, 2 H), 6.82 (dd, J= 7.6, 4.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.77 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H)₅ 6.66 (dd, J= 7.9 Hz, 3.1, I H), 3.22 (s, 3 H);

³¹P-NMR (CDCl₃, 162 MHz): δ = -13.1 (d, J= 17.8 Hz), -13.6 (d, J= 17.8 Hz); C₃₇H₃₀OP₂ (552.59): calculated (%) C 80.42, H 5.47; found C 80.53, H 5.52.

Example 6: 2',6-Dibromo-2-methoxy-l,l'-biphenyl (Via; R¹ = Me) At -75 °C, n-butyllithium (25 mmol) in hexanes (13 mL) was added to a solution of com¬ pound IVa (11 g, 25 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (0.20 L). Immediately after the addition was completed, methanol (2.0 mL) was added. After addition of water (0.10 L) the organic phase was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x30 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate before being evaporated. After crystallization from ethanol (25 mL) 7.9 g (92%) 2\6-dibromo-2-methoxy-l,l'-bi- phenyl was obtained as colorless cubes; m.p. 93 to 95 °C; ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ = 7.67 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.38 (t, J= 7.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.3 (m, 4 H), 6.92 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 3.73 (s, 3 H); C₁₃H₁₀Br₂O (342.03): calculated (%) C 45.32, H 2.95; found C 45.32, H 2.85.

Example 7: 2',6-Bis(dicyclohexylphosphinyl)-2-methoxy-l,l'-biphenyl (Ib; R¹ = Me, R² = R³ = cyclohexyl)

At -75 °C, n-butyllithium (0.10 mol) in hexanes (63 mL) was added to a solution of com¬ pound Vila (17 g, 50 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (0.25 L). After the addition was completed, the mixture was treated with a 2.0 M solution of chlorodicyclohexylphosphine (22 mL, 24 g, 0.10 mol) in tetrahydrofaran (50 mL). The mixture was allowed to reach 25 °C and treated with a saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride (0.10 L). The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x50 mL), and the combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate. The diphosphine 43 g (74%) was obtained after evaporation of the solvents and crystallization form methanol (0.10 L) as colorless cubes; m.p. 220 to 221 °C (decomposition);

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ = 7.56 (m sym., 1 H), 7.4 (m, 3 H), 7.16 (d, J= 7.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.08 (m sym., 1 H), 6.88 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.66 (s, 3 H), 1.7 (m, 24 H), 1.2 (m, 20 H); ³¹P-NMR (CDCl₃, 162 MHz): δ = -9.9 (d, J= 12.1 Hz), -11.5 (d, J= 12.2 Hz); C₃₇H₅₄OP₂ (576.79): calculated (%) C 77.05, H 9.44; found C 77.17, H 9.14.

Example 8: (2'-Bromo-6-methoxy-l,l'-biphenyl-2-yl)dicyclohexylphosphine (Vila; R¹ = Me and R² = cyclohexyl) At —75 °C, n-butyllithium (0.10 mol) in hexanes (63 mL) was added to a solution of com¬ pound Via (34 g, 0.10 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (0.50 L). After the addition was completed, the mixture was treated with a 2.0 M solution of chlorodicyclohexylphosphine (22 mL, 24 g, 0.10 mol) in tetrahydrofuran (0.10 L). The mixture was allowed to reach 25 °C and treated with a saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride (0.20 L). The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x0.10 L), and the combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvents and crystallization form a 9 : 1 mixture (v/v) hexanes / ethyl acetate (50 mL) afforded 36 g (79%) colorless needles; m.ρ. 100 to 102 °C; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ = 7.61 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.38 (t, J= 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.33 (t, J= 7.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.21 (dt, J- 7.9, 1.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.14 (dd, J= 7.6, 1.8 Hz, 1 H), 6.96 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.72 (s, 3 H), 1.7 (m, 12 H), 1.2 (m, 10 H); ³¹P-NMR (CDCl₃, 162 MHz): δ = -13.8 (s); C₂₅H₃₂BrOP (459.41): calcd. (%) C 65.36, H 7.02; found C 65.52, H 7.07.

Example 9: 6-Dicyclohexylphosphanyl-2'-diphenylphosphanyl-2-methoxy- l,l'-biphenyl (Ic; R¹ = Me, R² = cyclohexyl and R³ = phenyl)

At 0 °C, «-butyllithium (25 mmol) in hexanes (30 mL) was added to a solution of compound Vila (11 g, 25 mmol) in toluene (0.1 L). After 45 min the mixture was cooled to -75 °C and a 1.0 M solution of chlorodiphenylphosphine (4.4 mL, 5.5 g, 25 mmol) in toluene (25 mL) was added. The mixture was allowed to reach 25 °C. A saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride (50 mL) was added and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x25 mL) and the combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate before being evaporated. Crystallization from methanol (50 mL) gave 7.9 g (56%) of diphosphine as colorless cubes; m.p. 170 to 171 ⁰C;

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ = 7.3 (m, 16 H), 6.78 (d, J= 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 3.23 (s, 3 H); ³¹P-NMR (CDCl₃, 162 MHz): δ =-11.3 (d, J= 10.7 Hz), -14.0 (d, J= 10.8 Hz); C₃₇H₄₂OP₂ (564.69): calculated (%) C 78.70, H 7.50; found C 78.59, H 7.43.

Example 10: (-)- and (+)-6-dicyclohexylphosphanyl-2'-diphenyIphosphinyl- 2-methoxy-l,l'-biphenyl (Ic; R¹ = Me, R² = cyclohexyl and R³ = phenyl)

The racemic diphosphine Ic was separated into its enantiomers by preparative chromato- graphy using a chiral stationary phase. The column used was CHIRALCEL^® OD 20 μm, the mobile phase was n-Heptane / EtOH 2000:1. From 360 mg racemic material 142 mg of (+)-6-dicyclohexylphosphanyl-2'-diphenylphosphanyl-2-methoxy-l,l'-biphenyl and 123 mg of (-)-6-dicyclohexylphosρhanyl-2'-diphenylphosphanyl-2-methoxy-l,l '-biphenyl were isolated. The enantiomeric purity of both compound was 100% (measured by HPLC on an analytic CHIRALCEL^® OD 10 μm column), the optical rotation of the (-)-isomer is α_D ²⁴ (c = 0.5 in CH₂Cl₂) = -1.4.

Example 11: (-)- and (+)-2',6-bisdicyclohexylphosphinyl-2-methoxy-l,l'-biphenyl (Ib; R¹ = Me, R² = R³ = cyclohexyl) The separation was performed as described in example 10. The enantiomeric purity was 99.2% for the (-)-isomer and 96.9% for the (+)-isomer (measured by HPLC on an analytic CHIRALCEL^® OD 10 μm column), the optical rotation of the (+)-isomer is αp²⁴ (c = 0.5 in CH₂Cl₂) = 16.4.

Example 12: (-)- and (+)-2',6-bisdiphenylphosphinyl-2-methoxy-l,l'-biphenyl (Ia; R¹ = Me, R² = R³ = phenyl)

The separation was performed as described in example 10. The optical rotation of the (+)-isomer is α_D ²⁰ (c = 0.5 in CHCl₃) = 6.0. Example 13: (S)-Ethyl 3-hydroxybutyrate

In a 150 mL autoclave under argon atmosphere RuCl₃ (5.3 mg, 0.026 mmol), (+)-ligand Ia (14.3 mg, 0.026 mmol) and ethyl acetoacetate (0.65 g, 5.0 mmol) is dissolved in degassed ethanol (30 mL). After flushing the autoclave with argon hydro genation is carried out during 6 h at 50°C and at 4 bar hydrogen pressure. After cooling to room temperature the reaction solution is directly analyzed by GC for conversion (column: HP-101 25 m / 0.2 mm) and, after derivatization with trifluoroacetic acid anhydride, enantiomeric excess (column: Lipodex-E 25 m / 0.25 mm). Conversion is 99.7% at an ee of 99.0%.

Example 14: (R)-Ethyl 3-hydroxybutyrate

In a 15 mL autoclave under argon atmosphere RuCl₃ (1.5 mg, 0.007 mmol), (-)-ligand Ib (4.3 mg, 0.007 mmol) and ethyl acetoacetate (0.15 g, 1.1 mmol) is dissolved in degassed ethanol (7 mL). After flushing the autoclave with argon hydrogenation is carried out during 15 h at 50°C and at 4 bar hydrogen pressure. After cooling to room temperature the reaction solution is directly analyzed by GC for conversion (column: HP-101 25 m /

0.2 mm) and, after derivatization with trifluoroacetic acid anhydride, enantiomeric excess (column: Lipodex-E 25 m / 0.25 mm). Conversion is 98.3% at an ee of 86.7%.

Example 15: (if)-Ethyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutyrate In a 150 mL autoclave in an argon atmosphere bis(l-isoproρyl-4-methylbenzene)dichloro- ruthenium (7.6 mg, 0.012 mmol), (+)-ligand Ia (14.0 mg, 0.025 mmol) and ethyl 4-chloro- 3-oxobutyrate 98.4% (0.83 g, 5.0 mmol) is dissolved in degassed ethanol (30 mL). After flushing the autoclave with argon hydrogenation is carried out during 4 h at 80 °C and at 4 bar hydrogen pressure. After cooling to room temperature the reaction solution is directly analyzed by GC for conversion (column: HP-101 25 m / 0.2 mm) and ee (column: Lipodex-E 25 m / 0.25 mm). Conversion is 99.9% at an ee of 88%.

Example 16: (S)-Ethyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutyrate

In a 150 mL autoclave under argon atmosphere bis(l-isopropyl-4-methylbenzene)dichloro- ruthenium (7.5 mg, 0.012 mmol), (+)-ligand Ic (14.4 mg, 0.025 mmol) and ethyl 4-chloro- 3-oxobutyrate (0.83 g, 5.0 mmol) is dissolved in degassed ethanol (30 mL). After flushing the autoclave with argon hydrogenation is carried out during 3 h at 80 ⁰C and at 4 bar hydrogen pressure. After cooling to room temperature the reaction solution is directly analyzed by GC for conversion (column: HP-101 25 m / 0.2 mm) and ee (column: Lipodex-E 25 m / 0.25 mm). Conversion is 100% at an ee of 80%.

Example 17: iV-Acetyl-D-phenylalanine In a 15 mL autoclave in an argon atmosphere bis(benzene)dichlor-ruthenium (2.6 mg,

0.005 mmol), (+)-ligand Ia (6.0 mg, 0.011 mmol) and N-acetylaminocinnamic acid (0.53 g, 2.5 mmol) is dissolved in degassed methanol (5 mL). After flushing the autoclave with argon hydrogenation is carried out during 16 h at 40 °C and at 50 bar hydrogen pressure. After cooling to room temperature the reaction solution is evaporated and the residue analysed by HPLC for conversion (column: Bischoff Kromasil 100 C8) and enantiomeric excess (column: Νucleodex Beta-PM). Conversion is 100% at an ee of 43%.

Example 18: iV-Acetyl-L-phenylalanine

In a 15 mL autoclave in an argon atmosphere bis(benzene)dichlor-ruthenium (2.6 mg, 0.005 mmol), (-)-ligand Ib (3.2 mg, 0.006 mmol) and 2-(N-acetylamino)-cinnamic acid (0.53 g, 2.5 mmol) is dissolved in degassed methanol (5 mL). After flushing the autoclave with argon hydrogenation is carried out during 15 h at 40 °C and at 50 bar hydrogen pressure. After cooling to room temperature the reaction solution is evaporated and the residue analysed by HPLC for conversion (column: Bischoff Kromasil 100 C8) and enantiomeric excess (column: Νucleodex Beta-PM). Conversion is 34% at an ee of 66%.

Example 19: (S)-2-Acetylamino-3-phenyl-propionic acid methyl ester

In a 15 mL autoclave in an argon atmosphere bis(l,5-cyclooctadiene)-rhodium(I) tetra- fluoroborate (1.9 mg, 0.005 mmol), (+)-ligand Ic (2.8 mg, 0.005 mmol) and methyl 2-(JV- acetylamino)-cinnamate (0.10 g, 0.5 mmol) is dissolved in degassed methanol (6 mL). After flushing the autoclave with argon hydrogenation is carried out during 15 h at 25 °C and at 2 bar hydrogen pressure. After cooling to room temperature the reaction solution is evaporated and the residue analysed by HPLC for conversion (column: Bischoff Kromasil 100 C8) and by GC for enantiomeric excess (column: Lipodex-E 25 m / 0.25 mm). Conversion is 100% at an ee of 93.8%.

Example 20: (R)-N-Benzyl-l-phenylethylamine

In a 15 mL autoclave in an argon atmosphere bis(l,5-cyclooctadiene)-di(iridium(I)di chloride) 98% (6.7 mg, 0.010 mmol), (+)-ligand Ia (11.0 mg, 0.020 mmol), benzylamine (5.6 mg, 0.052 mmol) andN-benzyl-N-(l-phenylethylidene)amine (0.21 g, 1.0 mmol) is dissolved in degassed methanol (5 mL) and stirred for Ih at room temperature. After flushing the autoclave with argon hydrogenation is carried out during 17 h at 30 ⁰C and at 50 bar hydrogen pressure. The reaction solution is directly analysed by GC for conversion (column: HP-101 25 m / 0.2 mm) and enantiomeric excess (column: Macherey-Νagel, Νucleodex Beta-PM CC200/4). Conversion is 100% at an ee of 29%.

Example 21: (S)-iV-Benzyl-l-phenylethylamine In a 15 mL autoclave in an argon atmosphere bis(l ,5-cyclooctadiene)-di(iridium(I)di- chloride) 98% (6.7 mg, 0.010 mmol), (+)-ligand Ic (5.7 mg, 0.010 mmol), benzylamine (5.6 mg, 0.052 mmol) andN-benzyl-iV-(l-phenylethylidene)amine (0.21 g, 1.0 mmol) is dissolved in degassed methanol (5 mL) and stirred for Ih at room temperature. After flushing the autoclave with argon hydrogenation is carried out during 15 h at 30 ⁰C and at 50 bar hydrogen pressure. The reaction solution is directly analysed by GC for conversion (column: HP-101 25 m / 0.2 mm) and enantiomeric excess (column: Macherey-Νagel, Νucleodex Beta-PM CC200/4). Conversion is 100% at an ee of 10%.

Example 22: (R)-Dimethyl methylsuccinate Bis(l,5-cyclooctadiene)-rhodium(I) tetrafluoroborate (2.1 mg, 0.005 mmol) and ligand (+)-Ic (3.1 mg, 0.005 mmol) are dissolved in 5 mL degassed methanol in a 15 mL auto¬ clave under argon atmosphere. Dimethyl itaconate (97%, 0.15 g, 0.9 mmol) is added via syringe. After flushing the autoclave with argon, hydrogenation is carried out during 15 h at 23 °C and at 2 bar hydrogen pressure. The reaction solution is directly analysed by GC for conversion (column: HP-101 25 m / 0.2 mm) and enantiomeric excess (column:

Macherey-Νagel, Νucleodex Beta-PM CC200/4). Conversion is 100% at an ee of 30%.

Example 23: (iϋ)-Dimethyl methylsuccinate

Bis(l,5-cyclooctadiene)-rhodium(I) tetrafluoroborate (2.1 mg, 0.005 mmol) and (-)-ligand Ib (3.2 mg, 0.006 mmol) are dissolved in 5 mL degassed methanol in a 15 mL autoclave under argon atmosphere. Dimethyl itaconate (97%, 0.15 g, 0.9 mmol) is added via syringe. After flushing the autoclave with argon, hydrogenation is carried out during 15 h at 23 °C and at 2 bar hydrogen pressure. The reaction solution is directly analysed by GC for conversion (column: HP-IOl 25 m / 0.2 mm) and enantiomeric excess (column: Macherey- Nagel, Nucleodex Beta-PM CC200/4). Conversion is 60% at an ee of 24%.

Claims

1. A process for the preparation of asymmetrically substituted biaryldiphosphine ligands of the formula

wherein R¹ is d-β-alkyl or C_3-10-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, and

R² and R³ are equal and are selected from the group consisting of aryl,

Cs^o-cycloalkyl and C_1-6-alkyl, wherein each aryl moiety is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, or

R² is Q-₆-alkyl or C_5-10-cycloalkyl, and R³ is aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_t-₆-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-Ci-₆-alkylamino groups, and each C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy, di-Q-β-alkylamino and C_5-10-cycloalkyl group in R² and

R³ optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms

comprising a first reaction sequence, wherein one bromine atom of 2,2',6,6'-tetrabromobiphenyl

is exchanged with OR¹ by bromine-metal exchange and subsequent metal-hydroxy exchange, followed by an alkylation, to afford a compound of formula wherein R¹ is as defined above, and further reaction sequences, wherein each reaction sequence comprises at least one bromine-metal exchange and subsequent metal-substituent exchange with the respective substituent, thereby exchanging the respective bromine atoms with substituents selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and diarylphosphino, di-Ci-₆-alkylphosphino and di-Cs-to-cycloalkylphosphino.

2. The process of claim 1 , wherein the first bromine-metal exchange is carried out with one equivalent of n-butyllithium at a temperature below -40 °C, the metal-hydroxy exchange is carried out with a borane or organoborate, and followed by reaction with a peroxy compound in the presence of an alkali and/or earth alkali hydroxide, and the alkylation is carried out with an alkylating agent in the presence of a base.

3. The process of any of claim 2, wherein the borane or organoborate is fluoromethoxyborane ethyl ether adduct or trimethylborate.

4. The process of claim 2 or 3, wherein the peroxy compound is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid and tert-butyl peroxide.

5. The process of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the alkylating agent is a C_1-6-alkyl halide, a C_5-1o-cycloalkyl halide or dimethyl sulfate.

6. The process of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein a further reaction sequence is carried out starting from compounds of formula IV, comprising a low temperature bromine- metal exchange of two bromine atoms and subsequent metal-phosphine exchange, to afford a compound of formula wherein R¹ is as defined above, and R² and R³ are equal and are aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, and each C_1-6-alkyl, C_5-10-cycloalkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino group in R² and R³ optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms, and the remaining bromine atom of the compound of formula V is replaced with hydrogen by high temperature bromine-metal exchange and subsequent reaction with a proton donor, to afford ligands of formula

wherein R . 1 , r R>2 and R are as defined in compound V above.

7. The process of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein a further reaction sequence is carried out starting from compounds of formula IV, comprising a low temperature bromine- metal exchange of one bromine atom and subsequent metal-hydrogen exchange by reaction with a proton donor, to afford a compound of formula

wherein R¹ is as defined above, and a further low temperature bromine-metal exchange of the remaining bromine atoms and subsequent metal-phosphine exchange, affording ligands of formula I, wherein R¹ is as defined above, and R² and R³ are equal and are selected from the group consisting of aryl, C_5-10-cycloalkyl and Q-₆-alkyl, wherein each aryl moiety is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino,

C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, and each C_1-6-alkyl, C_5-10-cycloalkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino group in R² and R³ optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

The process of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein a further reaction sequence is carried out starting from compounds of formula IV, comprising a low temperature bromine- metal exchange of one bromine atom and subsequent metal-hydrogen exchange by reaction with a proton donor, to afford a compound of formula VI, wherein R¹ is as defined above, and a low temperature bromine-metal exchange of one bromine atom and subsequent metal-phosphine exchange, to afford a compound of formula

wherein R¹ is defined above, and R² is Cs^o-cycloalkyl or C_1-6-alkyl, the C_1-6-alkyl or C₅-₁₀-cycloalkyl group optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms, and a high temperature bromine-metal exchange of the remaining bromine atom and subsequent metal-phosphine exchange, affording ligands of formula I, wherein R¹ and R² are as defined above, and R³ is aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, and each C_1-6-alkyl,

Cs-io-cycloalkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino group in R³ optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms. 9. The process of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein each low temperature bromine-metal exchange is carried out with n-butyllithium at a temperature below -40 °C, preferably in the range of -40 to -90 °C.

10. The process of any of claims 6 or 8, wherein the high temperature bromine-metal exchange is carried out with «-butyllithium or tert-butyllithium at a temperature of at least +0 °C, preferably in the range of +0 to +40 °C.

11. The process of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the hydrogen donor is selected from the group consisting of C_1-3-alcohols, water, HCl and C_1-3-alkanoic acids.

12. The process of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the metal-phosphine exchange is carried out using a halophosphine of the formula

X J, VIII,

wherein X is chlorine, bromine or iodine and R are equal and are R or R , wherein R² and R³ are as defined above.

13. The process of claim 12, wherein the halophosphine of the formula VIII selected from the group consisting of halodi-(C_5-1o-cycloalkyl)phosphines and halodiarylphosphines, preferably is selected from the group consisting of chlorodi- cyclohexylphosphine, bromodicyclohexylphosphine, chlorodiphenylphosphine or bromodiphenylphosphine.

14. Compounds of formula

wherein R¹ is Ci_-6-alkyl or C_3-io-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, and

R² and R³ are equal and are selected from the group consisting of aryl, C₅-io-cycloalkyl and C_1-6-alkyl, wherein each aryl moiety is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, or

R² is C_5-10-cycloalkyl or C_1-6-alkyl, and R³ is aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, C_1-6-alkyl, Q-₆-alkoxy and di-Ci-₆-alkylamino groups, and each C_1-6-alkyl, C_5-10-cycloalkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-Q-₆-alkylamino group in R and R³ optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

15. Compounds of formula

wherein R¹ is C^-alkyl or Cs-io-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms.

16. Use of compounds of formula I,

wherein R¹ is C_1-6-alkyl or C₃.₁₀-cycloalkyl optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, and

R² and R³ are equal and are selected from the group consisting of aryl, C_5-10-cycloalkyl and Ci-β-alkyl, wherein each aryl moiety is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino, Ci_-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, or

R² is C_5-10-cycloalkyl or C_1-6-alkyl, and R³ is aryl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, nitro, amino,

C_1-6-alkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino groups, and each C_1-6-alkyl, C_5-10-cycloalkyl, C_1-6-alkoxy and di-C_1-6-alkylamino group in R² and R³ optionally being substituted with one or more halogen atoms, for the preparation of catalytic active complexes of transitions metal, preferably of ruthenium, rhodium or iridium.