Domino-hydroformylation/aldol condensation catalysis: highly selective synthesis of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes from olefins

Abstract

A general and highly chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective synthesis of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes by a domino hydroformylation/aldol condensation reaction has been developed. A variety of olefins and aromatic aldehydes were efficiently converted into various substituted α,β-unsaturated aldehydes in good to excellent yields in the presence of a rhodium phosphine/acid-base catalyst system. In view of the easy availability of the substrates, the high atom-efficiency, the excellent selectivity, and the mild conditions, this method is expected to complement current methodologies for the preparation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes.

Keywords: catalysis; domino reactions; hydroformylation; olefins; unsaturated aldehydes.