Hydroaminomethylation in thermomorphic solvent systems

The use of temperature-dependent solvent systems (TMS systems) has been studied for the rhodium catalyzed hydroaminomethylation of 1-octene with morpholine. High conversions of the olefin up to 98% and high selectivities to the amines up to 96% can be obtained in TMS systems consisting of propylene carbonate, an alkane and a semi-polar mediator. After the reaction the catalyst can be easily recovered by a simple phase separation with only a negligible loss of the rhodium catalyst.