High-Precision Catalysts:  Regioselective Hydroformylation of Internal Alkenes by Encapsulated Rhodium Complexes

We report the formation of high-precision catalysts using encapsulated rhodium complexes. In the current example, the encapsulated rhodium catalyst shows unprecedented high selectivity in the rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of internal alkenes, forming predominantly one of the branched aldehydes. This catalyst system is the first example that is able to discriminate between carbon atoms C3 and C4 in trans-3-octene.