Asymmetric hydroformylation of vinylarenes with rhodium diphosphite catalyst

Chiral diphosphite based on binaphthol, which chelate with rhodium complexes forming a nine-membered ring, led to an efficient hydroformylation of vinylarenes, (e.e.. up to 46%), at moderate pressure and temperature reaction conditions. High pressure 1H NMR experiments to elucidate intermediate metal species have been performed.