Chiral 2-(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolines: new P–N ligands for asymmetric catalysis

New chiral phosphorus–nitrogen ligands, specifically, 2-(2-diphenylphosphinophenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolines were prepared and assessed in the enantioselective palladium catalyzed allylic substitution of 1,3-diphenylprop-2-enyl acetate with dimethyl malonate. Enantioselectivity up to 71% was obtained.