Calix[4]arene‐based Bis‐phosphonites,Bis‐phosphites,and Bis‐O‐acyl‐phosphites as Ligands in the Rhodium(I)‐catalyzed Hydroformylation of 1‐Octene

New calix4]arene‐based bis‐phosphonites, bis‐phosphites and bis‐O‐acylphosphites were synthesized and characterized. Treatment of these P‐ligands with selected rhodium and platinum precursors led to mononuclear complexes that were satisfactorily characterized. The solid state structure of the dirhodium(I) complex 14 has been determined by X‐ray diffraction. The two rhodium centres are bridged by two chloro ligands; one rhodium atom is further coordinated by calix4]arene phosphorus atoms and the other by cyclooctadiene. The new calix4]arene P‐ligands were tested in the Rh(I) catalyzed hydroformylation of 1‐octene. All Rh(I) complexes catalyzed the reaction leading to high chemoselectivity with regard to the formation of aldehydes. Yields and n/iso‐selectivities depended on the reaction conditions. Average yields of 80 % and n/iso‐ratios of about 1.3 to 1.5 were observed. High yields of aldehydes can be achieved using the methoxy substituted P‐ligands at low Rh:ligand ratios.