Synthesis of new serine-based phosphinooxazoline ligands and iridium complexes for asymmetric hydrogenations

A series of serine-based phosphinooxazoline ligands was synthesized and the corresponding iridum complexes were successfully applied in the asymmetric hydrogenation of various unfunctionalized olefines and acetophenone-N-phenyl-imine. The results show that these new derivatives are useful substitutes for the standard tert-leucine-derived PHOX ligands.