Rhodium catalysed hydroformylation of unsaturated esters

Rhodium catalysed hydroformylation of unsaturated esters has been studied. A pronounced temperature dependence was observed on the regioselectivity and catalytic activity for these reactions, and under the appropriate conditions, it is possible to obtain preferentially either linear or quaternary products. A quaternary selective hydroformylation of methyl atropate to give 1,3-aldehydic esters has also been developed.