Enantioselective catalysis using P-chiral phosphines and phosphinamines.

The synthesis of organic molecules for medicines, polymers and other applications depends the use of catalysts
to promote chemical reactions. The use of small organic catalysts, rather than those based on transition metals or
enzymes, offers many advantages in the form of low toxicity, low cost, ease of use and minimal environmental
impact. This project will deliver conceptually novel methods for the synthesis of chiral phosphines and
phosphinamines using new approaches in organocatalysis.
The new methods developed will be applied to the synthesis of important molecules. These include chiral
phosphines, which are widely used in chemical industry but difficult and expensive to produce, novel catalysts and
biocompatible polyester materials.