RU-3(CO)(12) 1,10-PHENANTHROLINE-CATALYZED HYDROFORMYLATION OF ALPHA-OLEFINS/

Ru-3(CO)(12)/1,10-phenanthroline shows excellent catalytic activity fo r hydroformylation of alpha-olefins. For example, propylene was hydrof ormylated under 80 atm of syngas (CO:H-2 = 1:1) at 120-130 degrees C i n an amide solvent to give C-4-aldehydes in high yield (65-93%) with h igh linearity (n-selectivity = 95%). In the case of 1-octene, correspo nding C-9-aldehydes were obtained in moderate yields (49-55%) with hig h linearity (n-selectivity > 95%). In the reaction of ethylene, propio naldehyde was obtained in high yield.