Transition metal-catalyzed branch-selective hydroformylation of olefins in organic synthesis

Abstract

Hydroformylation of olefins can generate linear and branched aldehydes, and the branched aldehydes are attractive precursors for the synthesis of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Hydroformylation is considered an important strategy of green chemistry because of its intrinsic atom economic nature and recent development of highly selective protocols. We herein summarize the advances of hydroformylation showing branched selectivity in organic synthesis. A mechanistic discussion is provided prior to the examples of synthetically useful branch-selective hydroformylation reactions. Branch-selective hydroformylation can further contribute to the construction of chiral molecules and the design of one-pot synthesis. This review aims to provide information about catalyst selection, reaction conditions, and substrate scope of branch-selective hydroformylation, and inspire further development in this chemistry.

Keywords

• Hydroformylation
• Branched aldehyde
• Regioselectivity
• Stereoselectivity
• Rh catalysis