Ligand-Controlled Direct Hydroformylation of Trisubstituted Olefins.

The direct hydroformylation of trisubstituted olefins has been achieved with a combination of a Rh(I) catalyst and a π-acceptor phosphorus (briphos) ligand. A sterically bulky briphos ligand with a large cone angle that forms a 1:1 complex with Rh(I) is found to be reactive for the hydroformylation of trisubstituted olefins. The aldehyde products were obtained with high diastereoselectivity (>99:1) and regioselectivity (49%-81%).