Rhodium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydroformylation of 1,3-Dienes

Significance

The asymmetric hydroformylation reaction has the potential to generate useful building blocks from simple and inexpensive starting materials; however, this reaction still remains a challenge and it has been difficult to realize high enantioselectivity. The primary reasons for this have been the harsh conditions of high temperature necessary for conversion, which is not conducive to a stereoselective process. Furthermore, racemization can occur under these conditions, eroding the enantioselectivity. The authors report on the rhodium-catalyzed regio- and enantioselective hydroformylation of 1,3-dienes taking place with good levels of selectivity and under mild conditions.