HYDROFORMYLATION OF CINNAMIC ACID-DERIVATIVES CATALYZED BY RHODIUM COMPLEXES

The hydroformylation of methyl cinnamate catalyzed by various rhodium complexes affords the aldehyde 1a with good chemo- and regio-selectivi ty, while in the case of methyl p-chlorocinnamate the predominant reac tion is the substrate hydrogenation. Higher yields of the desired alde hydes 1a and 1b are obtained by hydroformylation of the cinnamaldehyde and p-chlorocinnamaldehyde diethylacetal, respectively, under the sam e reaction conditions. These aldehyde products are valuable drug precu rsors.