The hydroformylation reaction: catalysis by platinum(II)-tin(II) systems

The complexes [Pt(ER₃)(CO)Cl₂] (E = P, As; R = aryl, alkyl) are active precursors for the catalytic hydroformylation of olefins in the presence of added tin(II) chloride. The yield of aldehyde may be maximized by systematic parameter variation and is shown to be limited by the degree of steric crowding at the metal centre. Terminal aliphatic monoenes are hydroformylated readily with a high n : iso ratio; hindered internal olefins, cyclic and conjugated aromatic olefins are less readily hydroformylated, but with no competing hydrogenation. The catalyst system is active under mild conditions of temperature and pressure.