This article describes the synthesis of a new chiral amino phosphine ligand based on an amino naphthol starting material, which is resolved efficiently by using L-tartaric acid. The asymmetric induction of the ligand in the Pd(0)-catalyzed allylic substitution of 1,3-diphenylprop-2-en-1-yl acetate with dimethyl malonate was investigated. Good yields and enantiomeric excesses up to 78% of the product were obtained. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.