Glucosamine-based phosphines. Efficient ligands in the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction in water

Coupling of protected or non-protected d-glucosamine with o- or p-(diphenylphosphino)benzoic acid generates carbohydrate-substituted phosphines in quite good yields. The catalytic performance of these new neutral ligands is demonstrated in the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. The polyhydroxy phosphines are more active than the peracetylated phosphines, and the process tolerates electron-rich as well as electron-poor substituents. Excellent turnovers are observed, and the catalyst can be recycled.