Hydroformylation typically involves the reaction of an alkene with synthesis gas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) in the presence of a transition metal catalyst. The general reaction can be represented as follows:
R-CH=CH2 + CO + H2 → R-CH2-CH2-CHO
The mechanism involves several key steps:
Catalyst activation: The transition metal catalyst is activated by coordinating with carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Alkene coordination: The alkene substrate binds to the metal center of the catalyst. Migratory insertion: The alkene undergoes insertion into the metal-hydride bond, forming an alkyl-metal intermediate. Carbon monoxide insertion: CO inserts into the metal-alkyl bond, forming an acyl-metal intermediate. Hydrogenolysis: The acyl-metal intermediate is reduced by hydrogen to release the aldehyde product and regenerate the catalyst.
