Control of chemo- and regio-selectivity in rhodium catalysed reaction of unsaturated amines with H2/CO

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(97)00889-7

The rhodium catalysed reactions of N-allyl- and N-butenyl-1.3-diaminopropanes give single products arising from exclusive hydroformylation at the terminal carbon when the hindered bisphosphite ligand, BIPHEPHOS is used. Reactions using a high carbon monoxide : hydrogen ratio (9 : 1) and triphenylphosphine as ligand give predominantly lactams arising from carbonylation but with poor control of regioselectivity.