Synthesis and resolution of 2-methyl-Quinazolinap, a new atropisomeric phosphinamine ligand for asymmetric catalysis

The preparation in a five-step sequence of 2-methyl-Quinazolinap, a new atropisomeric ligand for asymmetric catalysis, is described. Diastereomeric palladacycles derived from racemic ligand and (+)-di-μ-chlorobis[(R)-dimethyl(1-(1-naphthyl)ethyl)aminato-C2,N]dipalladium(II) were separated by fractional crystallisation. Displacement of the resolving agent by reaction with DPPE afforded enantiopure 2-methyl-Quinazolinap.