Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol.135, No.46, 17393-17400, 2013
Tandem Isomerization/Hydroformylation/Hydrogenation of Internal Alkenes to n-Alcohols Using Rh/Ru Dual- or Ternary-Catalyst Systems
A one-pot three-step reaction, isomerization/hydroformylation/hydrogenation of internal alkenes to n-alcohols, was accomplished by employing a Rh/Ru dual-catalyst system. By using a combination of Rh(acac)(CO)(2)/bisphosphite and Shvo's catalyst, (Z)-2-tridecene was converted to 1-tetradecanol in 83% yield with high normal/iso selectivity (n/i = 12). The method was applicable to other internal alkenes, including functionalized alkenes, such as an alkenol and an alkenoate. Furthermore, addition of a third component, Ru-3(CO)(12), effectively improved the n/i ratio in the tandem isomerization/hydroformylation/hydrogenation of methyl oleate (from n/i = 1.9 to 4.4). Control experiments revealed that the isomerization was mediated by both Rh and Ru and that the coexistence of Rh and Ru was essential for hydrogenation of aldehyde under H-2/CO.