Natural compounds in the synthesis of chiral organophosphorous ligands

Methods for the synthesis of chiral organophosphorus compounds based on natural optically active compounds (hydroxy acids, amino acids and their derivatives, mono- and disaccharides, mono- and diterpenoids, steroids) are discussed. Particular attention is given to the synthesis of bisphosphines and bisphosphinites. These compounds serve as ligands for transition metal complexes, which catalyse asymmetric hydrogenation. Data on the enantioselectivity of hydrogenation of unsaturated precursors of amino acids and unsaturated prochiral acids as well as on information on the enantioselectivity of hydrosilylation of ketones are surveyed.