Dual functionalities of hydrogen-bonding self-assembled catalysts in chelation-assisted hydroacylation.

A recyclable catalyst for chelation-assisted hydroacylation of an olefin with primary alcohol was developed using hydrogen-bonding self-assembled catalysts consisting of 2,6-diaminopyridine and barbiturate phosphine-rhodium(I) complex. Upon heating, these two catalysts act as homogeneous catalysts due to cleavage of the hydrogen bond, and these associate to form supramolecular assemblies via hydrogen bonding that can be separated from immiscible product phase upon cooling after the reaction.