Magic of Alpha: The Chemistry of a Remarkable Bidentate Phosphine, 1,2-Bis(di-<i>tert-</i>butylphosphinomethyl)benzene

The bidentate phosphine ligand 1,2-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)benzene (1,2-DTBPMB) has been reported over the years as being one of, if not the, best ligands for achieving alkoxycarbonylation of various unsaturated compounds. Bonded to palladium, provides basis first step in commercial (Alpha) production methyl methacrylate well very high selectivity linear esters and acids from terminal or internal double bonds. present review is an overview covering literature dealing with 1,2-DTBPMB ligand: its reference, catalysis, including reaction mechanism, isomerization abilities highly selective isomerizing methoxycarbonylation, other reactions such cross-coupling, recycling approaches, development improved, modified ligands, which some tert-butyl are replaced by 2-pyridyl moieties show exceptional rates carbonylation at low temperatures.