Synthesis of linear aldehydes from internal olefins in water

We show here, for the first time, that the carbonylation of internal olefins in a biphasic water system is possible. It is shown that control of the pH and CO partial pressure are important factors for successful reactions. Interestingly, the water-soluble catalyst leads to significantly higher regioselectivity compared to similar catalysts soluble in organic solvents. The obtained n/i-selectivities exceed all known literature data and the catalyst can be easily reused several times.