Rapid asymmetric transfer hydroformylation (ATHF) of disubstituted alkenes using paraformaldehyde as a syngas surrogate

Abstract

As an alternative to conventional asymmetric hydroformylation (AHF), Asymmetric Transfer Hydroformylation (ATHF) using formaldehyde as a surrogate for syngas is reported. A catalyst derived from commercially available [Rh(acac)(CO)2] and Ph-BPE stands out in terms of both activity and enantioselectivity. Remarkably, not only are high selectivities achievable, the reactions are very simple to carry out, and can give higher enantioselectivity (up to 96% e.e.) and/or turnover frequencies than those that are achievable using the same catalyst (or other leading catalysts) using typical conditions for AHF.