# Patent

## Title
Polyether polyols based on triazole group containing compounds and a

## Abstract

A 6-vinyl-2'-diarylphosphino-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy(biphenylene-2,2'-diyl oxy)phosphine derivative is disclosed, which is represented by general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl, a lower alkoxy, etc.; and R.sup.3 is a lower alkyl, a lower alkoxy, etc.; provided that R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be bonded to each other to form a hydrocarbon ring, which may have one or more substituents selected from lower alkyl groups, halogen atoms, vinyl, etc. Also disclosed are a polymer having structural units derived from the phosphine derivative and a transition metal complex obtained by causing a transition metal compound to act on the phosphine derivative or the polymer. A novel polymer-supported ligand is provided which, when used as a catalyst for asymmetric syntheses, gives satisfactory results concerning catalytic activity, enantiomer excess, etc.

## Background
The present invention relates to a phosphine derivative, a polymer having structural units derived from the same as a polymer-forming base monomer, and complexes of these with a transition metal such as rhodium. This invention further relates to a method for obtaining an optically active compound in the presence of these transition metal complexes, which are utilizable as useful catalysts in asymmetric hydroformylation reactions.

Many transition metal complexes have hitherto been used as catalysts for organic synthesis reactions. In particular, noble-metal complexes are extensively utilized, despite their expensiveness, since they are stable and easy to handle. Many investigations were made on syntheses using transition metal complexes including such noble-metal complexes as catalysts. As a result, many reports have been made on techniques making it possible to carry out organic synthesis reactions, including asymmetric reactions, which have been regarded as impossible with any conventional technique.

There are various types of optically active ligands for use in such asymmetric-synthesis catalysts. Among the ligands for use in asymmetric hydroformylation reactions using transition metal-phosphine complexes, one of the ligands having the highest degree of chiral recognition is 2-diphenylphosphino-1,1'-binaphthalen-2'-yloxy(1,1'-binaphthalene-2,2'-diy loxy)phosphine (hereinafter referred to simply as "BINAPHOS"). There are reports on the use of a rhodium complex containing BINAPHOS as a ligand in an olefin hydroformylation reaction, which is a reaction for forming asymmetric carbon-carbon bonds (see JP-A-6-263776 and JP-A-6-316560). (The term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application".)

However, such expensive catalysts are unable to be recovered, or can be recovered only by a complicated separation method which is always accompanied by an undesirable loss. Furthermore, reuse of the recovered homogeneous catalysts is impossible and/or uneconomical. There has hence been a desire for a catalyst which can be easily recovered and reused and is capable of fully retaining its activity and, in particular, selectivity during repeated use.

With respect to synthetic chiral polymers, the application thereof to racemate separation media, reagents for asymmetric syntheses, catalysts, and the like is being extensively investigated. Rapid progress is being made recently in investigations on asymmetry recognition among the various functions of these chiral polymers. In particular, in the application thereof to stereoselective organic reactions, the chiral polymers can be used in a method different from those for general homogenous reaction systems because a specific reaction field constituted of the polymers is used.

Use of a polymeric reagent or polymeric catalyst in organic syntheses has an advantage that industrial processes can be improved because the reaction products can be easily separated and the reagent or catalyst can be reused.

For example, a report has been made on a process comprising reacting an optically active amino acid with 4-vinylbenzenesulfonyl chloride to obtain a chiral monomer, polymerizing the monomer with styrene and divinylbenzene to obtain a chiral polymer, ##STR2## reacting this polymeric ligand with diborane to obtain a polymer-supported chiral oxaborolidinone, and using this compound as a Lewis acid catalyst to conduct the Diels-Alder reaction of cyclopentadiene with methacrolein (see S. Itsuno et al., Tetrahedron: Asymmetry, 1995, Vol. 6, p. 2547).

There also is a report on a method in which a Mn(II)-salen complex is polymerized ##STR3## and the resultant polymer is used to conduct the asymmetric epoxidation reaction of an olefin (see S. Sivaram et al., Tetrahedron: Asymmetry, 1995, Vol. 6, p. 2105).

Furthermore, there is a report on a method which comprises copolymerizing optically active 2-p-styryl-4,5-bis[(dibenzophosphoryl)methyl]-1,3-dioxolane with styrene to obtain a chiral polymer, ##STR4## coordinating platinum chloride to this polymeric ligand, and using the resultant coordination compound to conduct the hydroformylation reaction of styrene in the presence of tin chloride (see J. K. Stille et al., J. Org. Chem., 1986, Vol. 51, p. 4189).

However, all the prior art techniques have insufficient catalytic activity or result in an enantiomer excess lower than those in the case of reacting monomers. None of those prior art techniques have been put to industrial use.

As described above, there has been a desire for a polymer-supported ligand which, when used as a catalyst for asymmetric synthesis reactions, gives satisfactory results concerning catalytic activity, enantiomer excess, etc. An object of the present invention is to meet these requirements.

The present inventors have found that a polymeric ligand obtained by synthesizing a monomer which comprises a binaphthyl framework having a diarylphosphino group at the 2'-position, a phosphite at the 2-position, and a vinyl group at the 6-position and in which the phosphite moiety has a binaphthyl or biphenyl framework, and then copolymerizing the monomer with a styrene derivative and a divinylbenzene derivative is an excellent ligand for use in asymmetric catalytic reactions. The present invention has been completed based on this finding.

The present invention provides a 6-vinyl-2'-diarylphosphino-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy(1,1'-biphenylene-2,2' -diyloxy)phosphine derivative represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR5## wherein Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl group or an optionally substituted naphthyl group; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted lower alkyl group, or a benzyloxy group; and R.sup.3 is a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted lower alkyl group, or a benzyloxy group; provided that R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be bonded to each other to form a hydrocarbon ring, which may have one or more substituents selected from lower alkyl groups, halogen atoms, lower alkoxy groups, halogenated lower alkyl groups, a benzyloxy group, and a vinyl group.

The present invention.further provides an oligomer or polymer having structural units derived from a 6-vinyl-2'-diarylphosphino-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy(1,1'-biphenylene-2,2' -diyloxy)phosphine derivative which are represented by the following general formula (III): ##STR6## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and Ar have the same meanings as defined above; and k is an integer of 2 to 100.

The present invention furthermore provides transition metal complexes obtained by causing a transition metal compound to act on the compound represented by general formula (I) and on the polymer represented by general formula (III), respectively.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing an optically active .alpha.-methylaldehyde compound represented by the following general formula (B): ##STR7## wherein R.sup.5 is an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an optionally substituted phenyl group, a naphthyl group, or an acetoxy group, which comprises subjecting an olefin compound represented by the following general formula (A): ##STR8##

wherein R.sup.5 has the same meaning as defined above, to asymmetric hydroformylation in the presence of any of the transition metal complexes.

In compound (I) of the present invention, Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl group or an optionally substituted naphthyl group. Examples of the substituents thereof include lower alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, and isobutyl, halogen atoms such as fluorine, chlorine, and bromine, lower alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, and butoxy, halogenated lower alkyl groups such as trifluoromethyl and trichloromethyl, and benzyloxy. Preferred examples of Ar include phenyl, 4-tolyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 3,5-xylyl, and naphthyl.

Examples of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 include a hydrogen atom, lower alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, and isobutyl, halogen atoms such as fluorine, chlorine, and bromine, lower alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, and butoxy, halogenated lower alkyl groups such as trifluoromethyl and trichloromethyl, and benzyloxy.

Examples of R.sup.3 include lower alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, and isobutyl, halogen atoms such as fluorine, chlorine, and bromine, lower alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, and butoxy, halogenated lower alkyl groups such as trifluoromethyl and trichloromethyl, and benzyloxy.

In the case where R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are bonded to each other to form a hydrocarbon ring, examples of the hydrocarbon ring include benzene and cyclohexane rings which each may have one or more substituents. Examples of the substituents include lower alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, and isobutyl, halogen atoms such as fluorine, chlorine, and bromine, lower alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, and butoxy, halogenated lower alkyl groups such as trifluoromethyl and trichloromethyl, benzyloxy, and vinyl.

Compound (I) of the present invention is produced, for example, by a process shown by the following reaction scheme, in which the target compound is represented by general formula (I) wherein Ar is phenyl, R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are bonded to each other to form a hydrocarbon ring which is a benzene ring. ##STR9##

An optically active binaphthol (VII) as a starting material is reacted by a method described in the literature (M. Vondenhof and J. Mattay, Tetrahedron Lett., 1990, Vol. 31, pp. 985-988; L. Kurz, G. Lee, D. Morgans, Jr., M. J. Waldyke, and T. Ward, Tetrahedron Lett., 1990, Vol. 31, pp. 6321-6324) and by a method described in the literature (Y. Uozumi, A. Tanahashi, S.-Y. Lee, and T. Hayashi, J. Org. Chem., 1993, Vol. 58, pp. 1945-1948). That is, the binaphthol (VII) is reacted with trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (Tf.sub.2 O) using pyridine in methylene chloride to convert compound (VII) to 2,2'-bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy)-1,1'-binaphthyl (VIII), which is reacted with diphenylphosphine oxide (Ph.sub.2 PHO) in the presence of a catalytic amount of a palladium-phosphine complex, whereby 2'-diphenylphosphinyl-2-trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy-1,1'-binaphthyl (IX) can be synthesized. Compound (IX) is hydrolyzed with lithium hydroxide (LiOH) to obtain 2'-diphenylphosphinyl-2-hydroxy-1,1'-binaphthyl (X), which is brominated in dioxane to obtain 2'-diphenylphosphinyl-2-hydroxy-6-bromo-1,1'-binaphthyl (XI). Compound (XI) is reduced with trichlorosilane (HSiCl.sub.3) to obtain 2'-diphenylphosphino-2-hydroxy-6-bromo-1,1'-binaphthyl (XII), which is reacted with 2-vinyl-5,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxa-2-borinane using a palladium catalyst by a method described in the literature (Y. Miyaura and A. Suzuki, J. C. S. Chem. Commun., 1979, p. 866) to obtain 2'-diphenylphosphino-2-hydroxy-6-vinyl-1,1'-binaphthyl (XIII).

Finally, 1,1'-binaphthalene-2,2'-dioxychlorophosphine (XIV), obtained, e.g., by heating an optically active binaphthol (VII) together with phosphorus trichloride, is reacted with the 2'-diphenylphosphino-2-hydroxy-6-vinyl-1,1'-binaphthyl (XIII) obtained above, whereby 2'-diphenylphosphino-6-vinyl-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy(1,1'-binaphthalene- 2,2'-diyloxy)phosphine (XV) is obtained as the target compound.

The process described above can be utilized also for obtaining compounds represented by general formula (I) wherein Ar is phenyl, R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 form a hydrocarbon ring which is not a benzene ring.

Compound (I) of the present invention, obtained by the method described above, functions as a ligand to form a complex with a transition metal. Examples of the metal as a component of the complex include rhodium, iridium, palladium, platinum, cobalt, and nickel. Examples of the complex are given below. In the following formulae showing transition metal complexes, "L" represents compound (I) of the present invention, "cod" 1,5-cyclooctadiene, "nbd" norbornadiene, "Ph" phenyl, "Ac" acetyl, "OAc" acetoxy, and "acac" acetylacetonato. "L" represents (R)-2'-diphenylphosphino-6-vinyl-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy[(S)-1,1'-binaph thalene-2,2'-diyloxy]phosphine as a typical example of compound (I) of the present invention.

Rhodium Complexes:

Examples of rhodium compounds used as complex precursors for forming rhodium complexes include the following.

RhCl.sub.3, RhBr.sub.3, RhI.sub.3, [Rh(cod)Cl].sub.2, [Rh(cod)Br].sub.2, [Rh(cod)I].sub.2, [Rh(nbd)Cl].sub.2, [Rh(nbd)Br].sub.2, [Rh(nbd)I].sub.2, [Rh(cod)(OAc)].sub.2, [Rh(nbd)(OAc)].sub.2, Rh(cod)(acac), Rh(nbd)(acac), Rh(CO).sub.2 (acac), [Rh(CO).sub.2 Cl].sub.2, [Rh(CO).sub.2 Br].sub.2, [Rh(CO).sub.2 I].sub.2, [Rh(cod).sub.2 ]BF.sub.4, [Rh(cod).sub.2 ]ClO.sub.4, [Rh(cod).sub.2 ]PF.sub.6, [(Rh(cod).sub.2 ]BPh.sub.4, [Rh(nbd).sub.2 ]BF.sub.4, [Rh(nbd).sub.2 ]ClO.sub.4, [Rh(nbd).sub.2 ]PF.sub.6, [Rh(nbd).sub.2 ]BPh.sub.4

Such rhodium complexes may be produced, for example, by reacting dicarbonylacetylacetonatorhodium (Rh(CO).sub.2 (acac)) with compound (I) of the present invention according to a method described in the literature (N. Sakai, S. Mano, K. Nozaki, H. Takaya, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1993, Vol. 115, p. 7033). Specific examples of the rhodium complexes obtained include the following.

Palladium Complexes:

Examples of palladium compounds used as complex precursors for forming palladium complexes include the following.

PdCl.sub.3, PdBr.sub.3, PdI.sub.3, [(.pi.-allyl)PdCl].sub.2, [(.pi.-allyl)PdBr].sub.2, [(.pi.-allyl)PdI].sub.2, [(.pi.-mathallyl)PdCl].sub.2, [(.pi.-methallyl)PdBr].sub.2, [(.pi.-methallyl)PdI].sub.2, PdCl.sub.2 (CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2, PdBr.sub.2 (CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2, PdI.sub.2 (CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2, PdCl.sub.2 (C.sub.6 H.sub.5 CN).sub.2, PdBr.sub.2 (C.sub.6 H.sub.5 CN).sub.2, PdI.sub.2 (C.sub.6 H.sub.5 CN).sub.2, PdCl.sub.2 (cod), PdBr.sub.2 (cod), PdI.sub.2 (cod), PdCl.sub.2 (nbd), PdBr.sub.2 (nbd), PdI.sub.2 (nbd), Pd(OAc).sub.2, Pd(acac).sub.2

Such palladium complexes can be prepared by reacting L with .pi.-allylpalladium chloride ([(.pi.-allyl)PdCl].sub.2) by a method described in the literature (Y. Uozumi and T. Hayashi, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1991, Vol. 113, p. 9887). Specific examples of the palladium complexes include the following.

Platinum Complexes:

Examples of platinum compounds used as complex precursors for forming platinum complexes include the following.

PtCl.sub.3, PtBr.sub.3, PtI.sub.3, PtCl.sub.2 (cod), PtBr.sub.2 (cod), PtI.sub.2 (cod), PtCl.sub.2 (nbd), PtBr.sub.2 (nbd), PtI.sub.2 (nbd), Pt(acac).sub.2, K.sub.2 PtCl.sub.4, PtCl.sub.2 (CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2, PtBr.sub.2 (CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2, PtI.sub.2 (CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2, PtCl.sub.2 (PhCN).sub.2, PtBr.sub.2 (PhCN).sub.2, PtI.sub.2 (PhCN).sub.2

Such platinum complexes can be prepared by mixing dibenzonitriledichloroplatinum (PtCl.sub.2 (PhCN).sub.2) with compound (I) in benzene with heating according to a method described in the literature (G. Consiglio, S. S. A. Nefkens, A. Borer, Organometallics, 1991, Vol. 10, p. 2046). A Lewis acid (e.g., SnCl.sub.2) may be added if desired. Specific examples of the platinum complexes include the following.

Iridium Complexes:

Examples of iridium compounds used as complex precursors for forming iridium complexes include the following.

IrCl.sub.3, IrBr.sub.3, IrI.sub.3, [Ir(cod)Cl].sub.2, [Ir(cod)Br].sub.2, [Ir(cod)I].sub.2, [Ir(nbd)Cl].sub.2, [Ir(nbd)Br].sub.2, [Ir(nbd)I].sub.2, [Ir(cod)(OAc)].sub.2, [Ir(nbd)(OAc)].sub.2, Ir(cod)(acac), Ir(nbd)(acac), Ir(CO).sub.2 (acac), [Ir(CO).sub.2 Cl].sub.2, [Ir(CO).sub.2 Br].sub.2, [Ir(CO).sub.2 I].sub.2, [Ir(cod).sub.2 ]BF.sub.4, [Ir(cod).sub.2 ]ClO.sub.4, [Ir(cod).sub.2 ]PF.sub.6, [Ir(cod).sub.2 ]BPh.sub.4, [Ir(nbd).sub.2 ]BF.sub.4, [Ir(nbd).sub.2 ]ClO.sub.4, [Ir(nbd).sub.2 ]PF.sub.6, [Ir(nbd).sub.2 ]BPh.sub.4, [Ir(cod)(CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2 ]BF.sub.4

Such iridium complexes can be prepared by mixing L with [(1,5-cyclooctadiene)(acetonitrile)iridium] tetrafluoroborate ([Ir(cod)(CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2 ]BF.sub.4) in tetrahydrofuran according to a method described in the literature (K. Mashima, T. Akutagawa, X. Zhang, T. Taketomi, H. Kumobayashi, S. Akutagawa, J. Organomet. Chem., 1992, Vol. 428, p. 213). Specific examples of the iridium complexes include the following.

The present invention furthermore provides an oligomer or polymer produced by polymerizing compound (I) of the present invention. The oligomer or polymer has structural units derived from a 6-vinyl-2'-diarylphosphino-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy(1,1'-biphenylene-2,2' -diyloxy)phosphine derivative which are represented by the following general formula (III): ##STR10## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and Ar have the same meanings as defined above; and k is an integer of 2 to 100.

The polymer especially preferably has structural units derived from compounds which units are represented by the following general formulae (III), (IV), and (V): ##STR11## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and Ar have the same meanings as defined above; R.sup.4 is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, or a halogen atom; R.sup.6 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; k is an integer of 2 to 100; and l and m each is an integer of 0 to 1,000; provided that at least one of l and m is not 0 (k+l+m) is from 10 to 1,000.

The polymer is preferably formed from monomers comprising compound (III) and at least one member selected from the group consisting of the styrene derivative (IV) and the divinylbenzene derivative (V).

Examples of R.sup.4 in the styrene derivative monomer (IV) according to the present invention include a hydrogen atom, lower alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, and t-butyl, lower alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, and butoxy, and halogen atoms such as chlorine and bromine.

The polymer (III) or the polymer having structural units represented by general formulae (III), (IV) and (V) of the present invention can be produced using a known polymerization method, e.g., solution polymerization or suspension polymerization.

This polymerization reaction is conducted as follows. The phosphine derivative (I) and the styrene derivative and/or divinylbenzene derivative are suspended or dissolved in an aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) solution, a halogenated hydrocarbon, e.g., chloroform, or a hydrocarbon, e.g., toluene, and the resultant suspension or solution is introduced into a reactor in an inert gas atmosphere, e.g., nitrogen or argon. An azo compound, e.g., 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) or azobisisobutyronitrile, or a peroxide is added thereto as a free-radical initiator, and the reaction mixture is reacted at ordinary pressure and a temperature of 60 to 100.degree. C. for 1 hour to 2 days to thereby conduct the polymerization.

In producing the polymer of the present invention, the proportions of compounds (III), (IV), and (V) mixed together are represented by the ratio between k, l, and m, i.e., molar ratio. Specifically, k:l:m is (2 to 100):(0 to 1,000):(0 to 1,000). Preferably, k:l:m is (1 to 100):(100 to 1,000):(0 to 1,000).

In the polymer of the present invention, the degrees of polymerization of compounds (III), (IV), and (V) are shown by k, l, and m, respectively, and (k+l+m) is in the range of from 10 to 1,000.

The polymer (III) of the present invention thus obtained functions as a ligand to form a complex with a transition metal. Examples of the metal as a component of the complex include rhodium, iridium, palladium, platinum, cobalt, and nickel. Examples of the complex are given below. In the following formulae showing transition metal complexes, "L" represents the monomer of compound (III) of the present invention, "cod" 1,5-cyclooctadiene, "nbd" norbornadiene, "Ph" phenyl, "Ac" acetyl, "OAc" acetoxy, and "acac" acetylacetonato. "L" represents (R)-2'-diphenylphosphino-6-vinyl-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy[(S)-1,1'-binaph thalene-2,2'-diyloxy]phosphine monomer as a typical example of compound (III) of the present invention. Furthermore, "k" is an integer of 2 to 100.

Rhodium Complexes:

Examples of rhodium compounds used as complex precursors for forming rhodium complexes include the following.

RhCl.sub.3, RhBr.sub.3, RhI.sub.3, [Rh(cod)Cl].sub.2, [Rh(cod)Br].sub.2, [Rh(cod)I].sub.2, [Rh(nbd)Cl].sub.2, [Rh(nbd)Br].sub.2, [Rh(nbd)I].sub.2, [Rh(cod)(OAc)].sub.2, [Rh(nbd)(OAc)].sub.2, Rh(cod)(acac), Rh(nbd)(acac), Rh(CO).sub.2 (acac), [Rh(CO).sub.2 Cl].sub.2, [Rh(CO).sub.2 Br].sub.2, [Rh(Co).sub.2 I].sub.2, [Rh(cod).sub.2 ]BF.sub.4, [Rh(cod).sub.2 ]ClO.sub.4, [Rh(cod).sub.2 ]PF.sub.6, [Rh(cod).sub.2 ]BPh.sub.4, [Rh(nbd).sub.2 ]BF4, [Rh(nbd).sub.2 ]ClO.sub.4, [Rh(nbd).sub.2 ]PF.sub.6, [Rh(nbd).sub.2 ]BPh.sub.4

Such rhodium complexes may be produced, for example, by reacting dicarbonylacetylacetonatorhodium (Rh(CO).sub.2 (acac)) with compound (III) of the present invention according to a method described in the literature (N. Sakai, S. Mano, K. Nozaki, H. Takaya, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1993, Vol. 115, p. 7033). Specific examples of the rhodium complexes obtained include the following.

Palladium Complexes:

Examples of palladium compounds used as complex precursors for forming palladium complexes include the following.

PdCl.sub.3, PdBr.sub.3, PdI.sub.3, [(.pi.-allyl)PdCl].sub.2, [(.pi.-allyl)PdBr].sub.2, [(.pi.-allyl)PdI].sub.2, [(.pi.-mathallyl)PdCl].sub.2, [(.pi.-methallyl)PdBr].sub.2, [(.pi.-methallyl)PdI].sub.2, PdCl.sub.2 (CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2, PdBr.sub.2 (CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2, PdI.sub.2 (CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2, PdCl.sub.2 (C.sub.6 H.sub.5 CN).sub.2, PdBr.sub.2 (C.sub.6 H.sub.5 CN).sub.2, PdI.sub.2 (C.sub.6 H.sub.5 CN).sub.2, PdCl.sub.2 (cod), PdBr.sub.2 (cod), PdI.sub.2 (cod), PdCl.sub.2 (nbd), PdBr.sub.2 (nbd), PdI.sub.2 (nbd), Pd(OAc).sub.2, Pd(acac).sub.2

Such palladium complexes can be prepared by reacting L with .pi.-allylpalladium chloride ([(.pi.-allyl)PdCl].sub.2) by a method described in the literature (Y. Uozumi and T. Hayashi, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1991, Vol. 113, p. 9887). Specific examples of the palladium complexes include the following.

Platinum Complexes:

Examples of platinum compounds used as complex precursors for forming platinum complexes include the following.

PtCl.sub.3, PtBr.sub.3, PtI.sub.3, PtCl.sub.2 (cod), PtBr.sub.2 (cod), PtI.sub.2 (cod), PtCl.sub.2 (nbd), PtBr.sub.2 (nbd), PtI.sub.2 (nbd), Pt(acac).sub.2, K.sub.2 PtCl.sub.4, PtCl.sub.2 (CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2, PtBr.sub.2 (CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2, PtI.sub.2 (CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2, PtCl.sub.2 (PhCN).sub.2, PtBr.sub.2 (PhCN).sub.2, PtI.sub.2 (PhCN).sub.2

Such platinum complexes can be prepared by mixing dibenzonitriledichloroplatinum (PtCl.sub.2 (PhCN).sub.2) with compound (III) in benzene with heating according to a method described in the literature (G. Consiglio, S. S. A. Nefkens, A. Borer, Organometallics, 1991, Vol. 10, p. 2046). A Lewis acid (e.g., SnCl.sub.2) may be added if desired. Specific examples of the platinum complexes include the following.

Iridium Complexes:

Examples of iridium compounds used as complex precursors for forming iridium complexes include the following.

IrCl.sub.3, IrBr.sub.3, IrI.sub.3, [Ir(cod)Cl].sub.2, [Ir(cod)Br].sub.2, [Ir(cod)I].sub.2, [Ir(nbd)Cl].sub.2, [Ir(nbd)Br].sub.2, [Ir(nbd)I].sub.2, [Ir(cod)(OAc)].sub.2, [Ir(nbd)(OAc)].sub.2, Ir(cod)(acac), Ir(nbd)(acac), Ir(CO).sub.2 (acac), [Ir(CO).sub.2 Cl].sub.2, [Ir(CO).sub.2 Br].sub.2, [Ir(CO).sub.2 I].sub.2, [Ir(cod).sub.2)BF.sub.4, [Ir(cod).sub.2 ]ClO.sub.4, [Ir(cod).sub.2 ]PF.sub.6, [Ir(cod).sub.2 ]BPh.sub.4, [Ir(nbd).sub.2 ]BF.sub.4, [Ir(nbd).sub.2 ]ClO.sub.4, [Ir(nbd).sub.2 ]PF.sub.6, [Ir(nbd).sub.2 ]BPh.sub.4, [Ir(cod)(CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2 ]BF.sub.4

Such iridium complexes can be prepared by mixing L with [(1,5-octadiene)(acetonitrile)iridium] tetrafluoroborate ([Ir(cod)(CH.sub.3 CN).sub.2 ]BF.sub.4) in tetrahydrofuran according to a method described in the literature (K. Mashima, T. Akutagawa, X. Zhang, T. Taketomi, H. Kumobayashi, S. Akutagawa, J. Organomet. Chem., 1992, Vol. 428, p. 213). Specific examples of the iridium complexes include the following.

The transition metal complex thus obtained from compound (I) of the present invention or the polymer comprising structural units (III) or comprising structural units (III), (IV), and (V) and from a transition metal compound can be utilized as a catalyst for asymmetric syntheses. For example, the complex can be used as a catalyst for a process in which an olefin compound (A) shown below is reacted in a pressurized atmosphere of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to produce an optically active .alpha.-methylaldehyde compound (B) (hydroformylation reaction): ##STR12## wherein R.sup.5 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an optionally substituted phenyl group, a naphthyl group, or an acetoxy group.

Namely, a transition metal complex containing as a ligand the phosphine derivative (I) or the oligomer or polymer (III) which each has been selected with respect to (R),(S) isomer or (S),(R) isomer is used as a catalyst in the above reaction, whereby the optically active target compound having the desired absolute configuration can be synthesized. Examples of the group R.sup.5 in the olefin compound (A) used as a starting compound in the above reaction include alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, and octyl, optionally substituted phenyl groups such as phenyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-methoxyphenyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-chlorophenyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-fluorophenyl, 2-, 3-, or 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, and 2-, 3-, or 4-tolyl, and other groups including naphthyl, acetoxy, and phthaloyl.

On the other hand, a solvent such as, e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, tetrahydrofuran, methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, or acetone can be used for the reaction.

The amount of the catalyst used in the above reaction is about from 0.01 to 10 mol %, preferably about from 0.05 to 5 mol %, in terms of the transition metal compound (II) or the transition metal compound comprising structural units (VI) or comprising structural units (VI), (IV), and (V).

The reaction is usually carried out by maintaining the reaction mixture at a temperature of about from 10 to 100.degree. C., preferably about from 20 to 50.degree. C., for about from 10 minutes to 30 hours in an atmosphere of carbon monoxide and hydrogen having a pressure of about from 2 to 120 atm. However, these conditions can be suitably changed according to the amounts of the reactants used, etc.

After the reaction, the polymeric transition metal compound of the present invention comprising structural units (VI) or structural units (VI), (IV), and (V) can be virtually completely separated from the reaction mixture by a simple method, e.g., centrifuging or filtration. The catalyst thus recovered can be reused.

The present invention will be explained below in more detail by reference to Examples, but the invention should not be construed as being limited thereby in any way.

The following apparatuses were used for property determination in the Examples.

.sup.1 H NMR: JMN-EX-270 (270 MHz), manufactured by JEOL, Japan

.sup.31 P NMR: JMN-EX-270 (109 MHz), manufactured by JEOL

Angle of rotation: DIP-360, manufactured by JASCO Corp., Japan

GLC: GC-15A, manufactured by Shimadzu Corp., Japan

MASS: QP-1000, manufactured by Shimadzu Corp. (R)-2'-diphenylphosphinyl-6-vinyl-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy[(S)-1,1'-binap hthalene-2,2'-diyloxy]phosphine

(1) Synthesis of (R)-2,2'-bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy]-1,1'-binaphthyl

In 181 ml of methylene chloride were dissolved 36.2 g (127 mmol) of (R)-binaphthol and 25.2 g (319 mmol) of pyridine. This solution was cooled to 0.degree. C. Thereto was added dropwise 76.5 ml (271 mmol) of an anhydrous triflate. Thereafter, the resultant mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours, and 200 ml of 2 N hydrochloric acid was then added to the reaction mixture to wash the same. The organic layer was washed with water and saturated sodium chloride solution, and the solvent was then distilled off, whereby 69.3 g of a crude reaction product was obtained. The crude product was recrystallized from 280 ml of hexane to obtain 64.1 g (yield, 92%) of the target compound.

.sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 7.25-8.15 (m, aromatic)

(2) Synthesis of (R)-2'-diphenylphosphinyl-2-[trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy]-1,1'-binaphthyl

In 100 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide were dissolved 11 g (20 mmol) of (R)-2,2'-bis[trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy]-1,1'-) binaphthyl, 0.225 g (50 mol %) of palladium acetate, and 0.43 g (50 mol %) of 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane. This solution was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hours. Thereto was added a solution prepared by dissolving 8.08 g (40 mmol) of diphenylphosphine oxide and 20 ml of diisopropylethylamine in 100 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide. The resultant mixture was stirred at 100.degree. C. for 12 hours. After the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, 75 ml of methylene chloride was added thereto. This solution was cooled in an ice bath, and 100 ml of 2 N hydrochloric acid was gradually added dropwise thereto. The resultant mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes and then subjected to liquid separation. The aqueous layer was extracted with methylene chloride. The resultant organic layer was collected, washed with water, and then dried with magnesium sulfate. The dried organic layer was concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate=4/1 to 1/4 by volume). As a result, 11.5 g (yield, 96%) of the target compound was obtained as yellowish white crystals.

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.24 44.45.degree. (c 0.50, CHCl.sub.3)

.sup.1 NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 7.0-8.01 (m, aromatic)

.sup.31 P NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 28.73 (s)

(3) Synthesis of (R)-2'-diphenylphosphinyl-2-hydroxy-1,1'-binaphthyl

To 11.5 g (19.2 mmol) of (R)-2'-diphenylphosphinyl-2-[trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy]-1,1'-binaphthyl were added 2.42 g (57.6 mmol) of lithium hydroxide monohydrate, tetrahydrofuran (75 ml), and purified water (25 ml). This mixture was stirred overnight. The THF was distilled off at a reduced pressure, and toluene (30 ml) and 2 N hydrochloric acid (50 ml) were added. After the resultant mixture was stirred and then subjected to liquid separation, the organic layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The solvent was then removed to obtain 9.03 g (yield, 100%) of the target compound.

(4) Synthesis of (R)-6-bromo-2'-diphenylphosphinyl-2-hydroxy-1,1'-binaphthyl

In 150 ml of dioxane was dissolved 4 g (8.49 mmol) of (R)-2'-diphenylphosphinyl-2-hydroxy-1,1'-binaphthyl. Thereto was added dropwise at 5.degree. C. a solution of 1.75 ml (34 mmol) of bromine in 20 ml of dioxane. After this mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, it was neutralized with an aqueous sodium thiosulfate solution and then extracted with chloroform. The resultant organic layer was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution and then dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The solvent was distilled off at a reduced pressure to obtain a yellow solid, which was purified by silica gel column chromatography (methylene chloride/ethyl acetate=1/1 by volume). As a result, 4.06 g (yield, 87%) of the target compound was obtained.

.sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 9.05 (bs, 1H), 7.95-7.17 (m, 2H), 7.65-7.53 (m, 7H), 7.42-7.32 (m, 2H), 7.26-7.17 (m, 2H), 7.06-6.88 (m, 3H), 6.81-6.72 (m, 2H), 6.27 (d, J=8.91, 1H)

.sup.31 P NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 31.26 (s)

(5) Synthesis of (R)-6-bromo-2'-diphenylphosphino-2-hydroxy-1,1'-binaphthyl

In 40 ml of xylene was dissolved 3.09 g (5.63 mmol) of (R)-6-bromo-2'-diphenylphosphinyl-2-hydroxy-1,1'-binaphthyl. Thereto was added 15.7 ml (112 mmol) of triethylamine, followed by 5.7 ml (56.4 mmol) of trichlorosilane. The resultant mixture was stirred at 110.degree. C. for 22 hours. Saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution was added thereto to terminate the reaction. Thereafter, the reaction mixture was filtered to remove the salt, washed with toluene, and then subjected to liquid separation. The organic layer was dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and the solvent was distilled off. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (chloroform). As a result, 1.94 g (yield, 65%) of the target compound was obtained.

.sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 7.96-7.80 (m, 4H), 7.52-7.43 (m, 2H), 7.33-6.98 (m, 14H), 6.55 (d, J=8.91, 1H), 4.62 (s, 1H)

.sup.31 P NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. -12.82 (s)

(6) Synthesis of (R)-2'-diphenylphosphino-2-hydroxy-6-vinyl-1,1'-binaphthyl

In 12 ml of dimethylformamide were dissolved 1.0 g (1.88 mmol) of (R)-6-bromo-2'-diphenylphosphino-2-hydroxy-1,1'-binaphthyl, 210 mg (0.182 mmol) of Pd(PPh.sub.3).sub.4, 0.4 ml (2.87 mmol) of 2-vinyl-5,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxa-2-borinane, and 0.965 g (4.54 mmol) of tripotassium phosphate monohydrate. This solution was stirred at 80.degree. C. for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and then extracted with diethyl ether. The resultant organic layer was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution and then dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (chloroform). As a result, 618 mg (yield, 68%) of the target compound was obtained.

.sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 7.95-7.86 (m, 3H), 7.72 (bs, 1H), 7.54-7.01 (m, 16H), 6.79 (dd, J=17.15, 10.55, 1H), 6.69 (d, J=8.91 Hz, 1H), 5.70 (d, J=17.15, 1H), 5.22 (d, J=10.55, 1H), 4.53 (s, 1H)

hu 31P NMR (CDCl.sub.3) d -13.01 (s)

(7) Synthesis of (R)-2'-diphenylphosphino-6-vinyl-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy[(S)-1,1'-binaph thalene-2,2'-diyloxy]phosphine

In 25 ml of ether were dissolved 1.55 g (3.23 mmol) of (R)-2'-diphenylphosphino-2-hydroxy-6-vinyl-1,1'-binaphthyl and 1.55 g (3.23 mmol) of (S)-1,1'-binaphthylene-2,2'-dioxychlorophosphine. Thereto was added at 0.degree. C. 0.92 ml (6.6 mmol) of triethylamine. This mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. Ice water was added thereto and the resultant mixture was subjected to liquid separation. The aqueous layer was extracted with ether, and the resultant organic layer was collected and then dried with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The solvent was distilled off, and the residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (hexane/methylene chloride=1/1 by volume). As a result, 1.78 g (yield, 69%) of the target compound was obtained.

.sup.1 H NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 8.06-7.87 (m, 5H), 7.74-7.71 (m, 2H), 7.57-7.91 (m, 24H), 6.78 (dd, J=17.48, 10.89 Hz, 1H), 6.62 (d, J=8.90 Hz, 1H), 5.99 (d, J=8.90, 1H), 5.99 (d, J=8.90 Hz, 1H), 5.69 (d, J=17.48, 1H), 5.25 (d, J=10.89 Hz)

.sup.31 P NMR (CDCl.sub.3) .delta. 146.04 (d, J=30.5), -13.21 (d, J=30.5)

(1) Suspension Copolymerization

To 0.4% aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) solution was added, with sufficient stirring at 80.degree. C., a solution prepared by dissolving 100 mg (0.126 mmol) of (R)-2'-diphenylphosphinyl-6-vinyl-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy[(S)-1,1'-binap hthalene-2,2'-diyloxy]phosphine, 0.45 ml (3.93 mmol) of styrene, 0.035 ml (0.135 mmol) of divinylbenzene, and 20.2 mg (0.0813 mmol) of 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (hereinafter abbreviated as V-65) in 0.75 ml of toluene. The reaction mixture was stirred for 24 hours at a rotational speed of 400 rpm. The polymerization product obtained was taken out by filtration, washed with water and methanol, and then dried at a reduced pressure to obtain a polymer as a light-yellow solid.

(2) Solution Copolymerization in Chloroform

Into a 20-ml Schlenk tube were introduced 100 mg (0.126 mmol) of (R)-2'-diphenylphosphino-6-vinyl-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy[(S)-1,1'-binaph thalene-2,2'-diyloxy]phosphine, 0.42 ml (3.66 mmol) of styrene, 0.11 ml (0.424 mmol) of divinylbenzene, 20.1 mg (0.081 mmol) of V-65, and 1.5 ml of chloroform. The contents were heated at 70.degree. C. for 5 hours. Methanol was added to the reaction mixture which had solidified. As a result, a white precipitate generated. The precipitate was taken out by filtration, washed with methanol and toluene, and then dried at a reduced pressure to obtain a polymer as a light-yellow solid.

(3) Solution Copolymerization in Toluene

Into a 20-ml Schlenk tube were introduced 100 mg (0.126 mmol) of (R)-2'-diphenylphosphino-6-vinyl-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy[(S)-1,1'-binaph thalene-2,2'-diyloxy]phosphine, 0.42 ml (3.66 mmol) of styrene, 0.11 ml (0.424 mmol) of divinylbenzene, 20.1 mg (0.081 mmol) of V-65, and 1.5 ml of toluene. The contents were heated at 70.degree. C. for 5 hours. Methanol was added to the reaction mixture which had solidified. As a result, a white precipitate generated. The precipitate was taken out by filtration, washed with methanol and toluene, and then dried at a reduced pressure to obtain a polymer as a light-yellow solid.

Into a 20-ml Schlenk tube were introduced 6.6 mg (0.0226 mmol) of rhodium dicarbonylacetylacetonate (Rh(acac)(CO).sub.2), 476 mg of the polymer obtained in Example 2 (containing 0.103 mmol in terms of monomer amount), and 3.5 ml of benzene. The contents were stirred with heating at 60.degree. C. for 1 day. The reaction mixture was freeze-dried, subsequently washed with MeOH, and then vacuum-dried to obtain a reaction product as a yellowish orange solid.

Into a 50-ml stainless-steel autoclave were introduced 15 mg of the rhodium complex synthesized in Example 3 (containing 0.0031 mmol of rhodium), 0.71 ml (6.20 mmol) of styrene, and 0.35 ml of benzene. The contents were stirred at 60.degree. C. for 40 hours in an atmosphere of 50-atm carbon monoxide and 50-atm hydrogen. A small portion of the reaction mixture was taken out and filtered to remove the catalyst. This reaction mixture was analyzed by .sup.1 H NMR spectrometry to determine the conversion. As a result, the conversion was found to be 97%. The proportion of the .alpha.-methylphenylacetaldehyde to dihydrocinnamaldehyde yielded (position selectivity) was 94:6. These reaction products were converted to carboxylic acids by Jones oxidation, and then analyzed by GC using a chiral column (Chrompack Cp-Cyclodex .beta.-236M) to determine the enantiomer excess. As a result, the enantiomer excess was found to be 82% ee.

Into a 50-ml pressure bottle made of glass were introduced 63 mg of the rhodium complex synthesized in Example 3 (containing 0.0031 mmol 6 of rhodium), 0.71 ml (6.20 mmol) of styrene, and 0.35 ml of benzene. The contents were stirred at 60.degree. C. for 3 hours in an atmosphere of 2.5-atm carbon monoxide and 2.5-atm hydrogen. As a result, the conversion was 41%, the position selectivity was 88:12, and the enantiomer excess was 86% ee.

After completion of the reaction, the benzene solution supernatant containing the reaction products and substrate was taken out with a syringe in an argon atmosphere. After the residue was washed with benzene, 0.71 ml (6.20 mmol) of styrene and 0.35 ml of benzene were added thereto to conduct a catalytic reaction in the same manner. As a result, the conversion in this reaction was 48%, the position selectivity was 90:10, and the enantiomer excess was 86% ee.

The present invention brings about the following effects. The polymer of the present invention is an excellent ligand for asymmetric syntheses. When used together with a complex of a transition metal, e.g., rhodium or iridium, the polymer has excellent performance as a catalyst for asymmetric hydroformylation reactions. In addition, since the catalyst is insoluble in most solvents, it can be easily separated from the reaction products by filtration. Therefore, the catalyst is excellent for industrial use.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

## Claims

1. A 6-vinyl-2'-diarylphosphino-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy(1,1'-biphenylene-2,2' -diyloxy)phosphine derivative represented by the following general formula (I) ##STR13## wherein Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl group or an optionally substituted naphthyl group; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted lower alkyl group, or a benzyloxy group; and R.sup.3 is a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted lower alkyl group, or a benzyloxy group; provided that R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be bonded to each other to form a hydrocarbon ring, which may have one or more substituents selected from lower alkyl groups, halogen atoms, lower alkoxy groups, halogenated lower alkyl groups, a benzyloxy group, and a vinyl group, wherein when Ar is the substituted phenyl group or the substituted naphthyl group, the substituted phenyl group or the substituted naphthyl group is substituted with lower alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, halogen atoms, lower alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or halogenated lower alkyl groups.

2. An oligomer or polymer having structural units derived from a 6-vinyl-2'-diarylphosphino-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy(1,1'-biphenylene-2,2' -diyloxy)phosphine derivative which are represented by the following general formula (III): ##STR14## wherein Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl group or an optionally substituted naphthyl group; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group-, a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted lower alkyl group, or a benzyloxy group; R.sup.3 is a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted lower alkyl group, or a benzyloxy group; provided that R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be bonded to each other to form a hydrocarbon ring, which may have one or more substituents selected from lower alkyl groups, halogen atoms, lower alkoxy groups, halogenated lower alkyl groups, a benzyloxy group, and a vinyl group; and k is an integer of 2 to 100, wherein when Ar is the substituted phenyl group or the substituted naphthyl group, the substituted phenyl group or the substituted naphthyl group is substituted with lower alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, halogen atoms, lower alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or halogenated lower alkyl groups.

3. A polymer having structural units derived from compounds, said units being represented by the following general formulae (III), (IV), and (V): ##STR15## wherein Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl group or an optionally substituted naphthyl group; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted lower alkyl group, or a benzyloxy group; R.sup.3 is a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted lower alkyl group, or a benzyloxy group; provided that R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be bonded to each other to form a hydrocarbon ring, which may have one or more substituents selected from lower alkyl groups, halogen atoms, lower alkoxy groups, halogenated lower alkyl groups, a benzyloxy group, and a vinyl group; R.sup.4 is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, or a halogen atom; R.sup.6 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; k is an integer of 2 to 100; and l and m each is an integer of 0 to 1,000; provided that at least one of l and m is not 0 and (k+l+m) is from 10 to 1,000, wherein when Ar is the substituted phenyl group or the substituted naphthyl group, the substituted phenyl group or the substituted naphthyl group is substituted with lower alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, halogen atoms, lower alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or halogenated lower alkyl groups.

4. A process for producing an oligomer or polymer having structural units derived from a 6-vinyl-2'-diarylphosphino-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy(1,1'-biphenylene-2,2' -diyloxy)phosphine derivative which are represented by the following general formula (III): ##STR16## wherein Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl group or an optionally substituted naphthyl group; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted lower alkyl group, or a benzyloxy group; R.sup.3 is a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted lower alkyl group, or a benzyloxy group; provided that R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be bonded to each other to form a hydrocarbon ring, which may have one or more substituents selected from lower alkyl groups, halogen atoms, lower alkoxy groups, halogenated lower alkyl groups, a benzyloxy group, and a vinyl group; and k is an integer of 2 to 100, said process comprising solution- or suspension-polymerizing a 6-vinyl-2'-diarylphosphino-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy(1,1'-biphenylene-2,2' -diyloxy)phosphine derivative represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR17## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and Ar have the same meanings as defined above, wherein when Ar is the substituted phenyl group or the substituted naphthyl group, the substituted phenyl group or the substituted naphthyl group is substituted with lower alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, halogen atoms, lower alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or halogenated lower alkyl groups.

5. A process for producing a polymer having structural units derived from compounds, said units being represented by the following general formulae (III), (IV), and (V): ##STR18## wherein Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl group or an optionally substituted naphthyl group; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted lower alkyl group, or a benzyloxy group; R.sup.3 is a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted lower alkyl group, or a benzyloxy group; provided that R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 may be bonded to each other to form a hydrocarbon ring, which may have one or more substituents selected from lower alkyl groups, halogen atoms, lower alkoxy groups, halogenated lower alkyl groups, a benzyloxy group, and a vinyl group; R.sup.4 is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group, or a halogen atom; R.sup.6 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; k is an integer of 2 to 100; and l and m each is an integer of 0 to 1,000; provided that at least one of l and m is not 0 and (k+l+m) is from 10 to 1,000, said process comprising solution- or suspension-polymerizing a 6-vinyl-2'-diarylphosphino-1,1'-binaphthalen-2-yloxy(1,1'-biphenylene-2,2' -diyloxy)phosphine derivative represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR19## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and Ar have the same meanings as defined above, with a styrene derivative and a divinyl derivative, wherein when Ar is the substituted phenyl group or the substituted naphthyl group, the substituted phenyl group or the substituted naphthyl group is substituted with lower alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, halogen atoms, lower alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or halogenated lower alkyl groups.