Rhodium–NHC-complexes as potent catalysts in the hydroformylation of 1-octene

We present an overview of eight different rhodium-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes 1–8 and their catalytic activity and selectivity in hydroformylation of 1-octene. It could be shown that activity can be increased by going from electron-rich NHC- to electron-poor NHC-ligands. However, no increase in the selectivity could be achieved by introducing bulky substituents to the NHCs.

Graphical abstractApplication of NHC/rhodium complexes in the hydroformylation of 1-octene is described. Eight NHC/rhodium catalysts with differences in the electronic as well as steric properties of the NHC ligand have been studied in the homogeneous hydroformylation of 1-octene. While catalytic activity can be increased from electron-rich NHC-ligands to electron-poor ones selectivity was not affected.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide