Desymmetrization is an essential method for the synthesis of chiral compounds, particularly chiral biaryls. We have developed an enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral biaryls by desymmetrization using C(sp3)–H activation catalyzed by chiral palladium phosphate. Mechanistic studies show that C–H activation is the rate- and enantiomer-determining step. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of asymmetric desymmetrization of axially chiral compounds by C(sp3)–H activation.
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