This review covers the use of chiral 1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diol and 2,2'-diamino-1,1'-binaphthyl frameworks for the construction of ligands for coordination and metallosupramolecular chemistry. The 1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diol unit is readily functionalised with ligating groups at both the diol oxygen atoms and at a variety of positions on the binaphthyl rings. This has allowed the synthesis of a wide range of ligands which, in combination with metal ions, has given rise to an array of chiral coordination compounds and supramolecular complexes. This review details polynuclear complexes prepared in this manner. 2,2'-Diamino-1,1'-binaphthyl has been used as a ligand in a number of complexes. Also, ligating groups have been attached to the 2,2-diamino-1,1'-binaphthyl framework via its amine nitrogen atoms, usually by formation of a Schiff base. The coordination chemistry of both the parent 2,2'diamino-1,1'-binaphthyl compound and of its derivatives are covered by this review. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.