Abstract

The chelating phosphine, Me,Ph-P₄, and its bimetallic rhodium complex have been synthesized. Combination of the two structures produced the hydroformylation catalyst, racemic-[Rh₂(NbD)₂(me,ph-P₄)]2BF₄. The structure of this compound was determined by comparison to the original published compound racemic-[Rh₂(nbd)2(Et,ph-P₄)]2BF₄. Hydroformylation reactions using this catalyst have been performed using vinyl esters as the reactant material. The esters included vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, and vinyl benzoate. The products of each reaction were analyzed using gas chromatography. The goal of these reactions was to produce branched aldehydes. Side products of these reactions included hydrogenation products, organic acids, and linear aldehydes. Branched to linear aldehyde ratios were determined for each hydroformylation reaction and showed high regioselectivity. Side product yields were determined to be low in each hydroformylation reaction.