The hydroformylation of propene to give predominantly iso-butanal has been achieved; class-leading selectivity is possible even at higher temperatures that deliver fast rates. Racemic Rh complexes of bidentate phospholane phosphites derived from tropos-biphenols and unusual solvent systems are the key to the selectivity observed.

The hydroformylation of propene to give predominantly iso-butanal has been achieved;class-leading selectivity is possible even at higher temperatures that deliver fast conversion. Racemic rhodium complexes of bidentate phospholane phosphites derived from tropos-biphenols and unusual solvent systems are the key to the selectivity observed.