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A series of P-stereogenic chiral phosphorus acids (CPAs) were synthesized to determine the requirements for efficient asymmetric organocatalysis. In order to eliminate the need for C2-symmetry in common CPAs, various scaffolds containing C1-symmetrical thiophosphorus acids were chosen. These new compounds were synthesized and evaluated in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of 2-phenylquinoline. Although the efficacy of the thiophosphorus acids was disappointing for this reaction, the work should be useful for developing structural design elements.

This review provides an overview of recent efforts towards the synthesis of phosphinate heterocycles R1R2P(O)(OR). Our laboratory and others’ have been involved in this field and as a result new P–C, P–N, and P–O containing heterocyclic motifs are now available through a variety of methods. While developing rapidly, this area is still in its infancy so that biological testing of the compounds has not yet been conducted and applications are rare. The growing availability of synthetic methods will undoubtedly change this situation in the near future.