Stereoisomeric Tris-BINOL-Menthol Bulky Monophosphites: Synthesis, Characterisation and Application in Rhodium-Catalysed Hydroformylation.

Four stereoisomeric monoether derivatives, based on axially chiral ( R )- or ( S )-BINOL bearing a chiral (+)- or (-)-neomenthyloxy group were synthesised and fully characterised by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The respective tris-monophosphites were thereof prepared and fully characterised. The coordination ability of the new bulky phosphites with Rh(CO) 2 (acac), was attested by 31 P NMR, which presented a doublet in the range of δ = 120 ppm, with a 1 J ( 103 Rh- 31 P) coupling constant of 290 Hz. The new tris-binaphthyl phosphite ligands were further characterised by DFT computational methods, which allowed us to calculate an electronic (CEP) parameter of 2083.2 cm -1 and an extremely large cone angle of 345°, decreasing to 265° upon coordination with a metal atom. Furthermore, the monophosphites were applied as ligands in rhodium-catalysed hydroformylation of styrene, leading to complete conversions in 4 h, 100% chemoselectivity for aldehydes and up to 98% iso -regioselectivity. The Rh(I)/phosphite catalytic system was also highly active and selective in the hydroformylation of disubstituted olefins, including ( E )-prop-1-en-1-ylbenzene and prop-1-en-2-ylbenzene.