Two new C2 chiral bidentate phosphorous ligands have been prepared in enantiomerically pure form. The two phosphorous centers bear electron-withdrawing groups ((CF3)2CH—O, C6F5) and are linked by a trans-cyclopentane-1,2-diol-derived bridge. Photolysis of [Cr(η6-C6H6)(CO)3] in the presence of these two new ligands and of two previously reported bidentate phosphites, and fluorophosphinites (L) afforded [Cr(η6-C6H6)(CO)L] complexes. IR Spectral comparison of the complexes shows the new ligands to be intermediate in their bonding properties between alkyl phosphites and CO.