Chiral rhodium(I)-(polyether-phosphite) complexes for the enantioselective hydroformylation of styrene: homogeneous and thermoregulated phase-transfer catalysis

Chiral polyether-phosphite ligands derived from (S)-binaphtol were prepared and combined with [Rh(cod)(2)]BF4 complex. These systems showed high activity, chemo- and regioselectivity, for the catalytic enantioselective hydroformylation of styrene in thermoregulated phase-transfer conditions. ee Values of up to 25% were obtained and recycling was possible, without loss of enantioselectivity. Catalytic activity of the organic and aqueous phases was studied. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. AU rights reserved.