INDOLE-FUNCTIONALIZED BISPHOSPHORAMIDITES, METHODS FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF, AND RHODIUM-LIGAND COMPLEX

Abstract

An indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite is disclosed which has a certain formula. A method for preparing a rhodium-ligand complex comprises combining starting materials comprising: (I) a rhodium catalyst precursor, and (II) the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite; and optionally (III) a solvent.

Claims

1. An indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite having a formula selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00071## where R.sup.1-R.sup.42 are each independently selected from H, a hydrocarbyl group, a heteroaryl group, a halogen atom, or a heterocarbyl group, with the proviso that at least one of R.sup.35-R.sup.42 is not H; each of Y.sup.1 to Y.sup.12 is an independently selected indole group of formula (I): ##STR00072## where each of R.sup.43-R.sup.47 is an independently selected atom or group selected from H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, acyl, carboxyl, carboxylate, cyano, SO.sub.3H, sulfonate, amino, trifluoromethyl, halogen, a group of formula (II) below, and combinations thereof; with the provisos that i) two or more of R.sup.44-R.sup.47 may optionally be bonded together to give one or more cyclic moieties, and ii) in at least one of each of Y.sup.1-Y.sup.4, Y.sup.5-Y.sup.8, and Y.sup.9-Y.sup.12, either a) at least one of R.sup.43-R.sup.47 has formula (II) ##STR00073## where each of R.sup.48-R.sup.52 is an independently selected atom or group selected from H, alkyl, aryl, and alkoxy; or b) two or more of R.sup.44-R.sup.47 are bonded together to give one or more cyclic moieties; and iii) when the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has the formula C1), at least one of R.sup.44-R.sup.46 of at least one of Y.sup.1-Y.sup.4 has formula (II).

2. The indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite of claim 1, where formula (II) is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR00074##

3. The indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite of claim 1, wherein: in formula C1) each of R.sup.1-R.sup.20 is H; in formula C2) each of R.sup.21-R.sup.34 is H; and in formula C3) each of R.sup.35 and R.sup.42 is H, and each of R.sup.36-R.sup.41 is methyl.

4. The indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite of claim 1, wherein proviso (ii) (a) is true, and wherein at least one of R.sup.44-R.sup.46 has formula (II).

5. The indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite of claim 1, wherein proviso (ii) (a) is true, and wherein one of R.sup.45 and/or R.sup.46 has formula (II).

6. The indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite of claim 1, wherein the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite is selected from the group consisting of: L1) 2,2-bis((bis(6-mesityl-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene; L2) 2,2-bis((bis(6-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene; L3) 2,2-bis((bis(6-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene; L4) 2,2-bis((bis(6-([1,1: 3,1-terphenyl]-5-yl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene; L5) 2,2-bis((bis(6-([1,1: 3,1-terphenyl]-5-yl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene; L6) 2,2-bis((bis(6-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene; L7) 2,2-bis((bis(6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene; L8) 2,2-bis((bis(5-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene; L9) 2,2-bis((bis(4-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene; L10) 1,1,1,1-(((4,4,5,5,6,6-hexamethyl-[1,1-biphenyl]-2,2-diyl)bis(oxy))bis(phosphanetriyl))tetrakis(6-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indole); L11) 4,4-bis((bis(6-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-1,1,3,3-tetrahydro-2,2-spirobi[indene]; L12) 2,2-bis(((7,8-dihydrocyclopenta[g]indol-1 (6H)-yl) (1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene; and L13) 2,2-bis((bis(6-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-3-methyl-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene.

7. A method for preparing a rhodium-ligand complex, said method comprising: 1) combining starting materials comprising; (I) a rhodium catalyst precursor, and (II) the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite of claim 1, and optionally (III) a solvent.

8. The method of claim 7, where the rhodium catalyst precursor is selected from the group consisting of Rh.sub.2O.sub.3, Rh.sub.4(CO).sub.12, Rh.sub.6(CO).sub.16, and Rh(NO.sub.3).sub.3.

9. The method of claim 7, where the rhodium-ligand complex has a molar ratio of ligand/Rh of 1/1 to 10/1.

10. A rhodium-ligand complex prepared by the method of claim 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] An indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite is disclosed. The indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has a formula selected from the group consisting of C1), C2), or C3):

##STR00004##

[0014] In formulas C1)-C3), R.sup.1-R.sup.42 are each independently selected from H, a hydrocarbyl group, a heteroaryl group, a halogen atom, or a heterocarbyl group, with the proviso that at least one of R.sup.35-R.sup.42 is not H. Because at least one of R.sup.35-R.sup.42 is not H, at least one of R.sup.35-R.sup.42 is a hydrocarbyl group, a heteroaryl group, a halogen atom, or a heterocarbyl group.

[0015] Suitable hydrocarbyl groups for R.sup.1-R.sup.42 may independently be linear, branched, cyclic, or combinations thereof. Cyclic hydrocarbyl groups encompass aryl groups as well as saturated or non-conjugated cyclic groups. Cyclic hydrocarbyl groups may be monocyclic or polycyclic. Linear and branched hydrocarbyl groups may independently be saturated or unsaturated. One example of a combination of a linear and cyclic hydrocarbyl group is an aralkyl group. By substituted, it is meant that one or more hydrogen atoms may be replaced with atoms other than hydrogen (e.g. a halogen atom, such as chlorine, fluorine, bromine, etc.). Suitable alkyl groups are exemplified by, but not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl (e.g., iso-propyl and/or n-propyl), butyl (e.g., isobutyl, n-butyl, tert-butyl, and/or sec-butyl), pentyl (e.g., isopentyl, neopentyl, and/or tert-pentyl), hexyl, as well as branched saturated hydrocarbon groups of 6 carbon atoms. Suitable aryl groups are exemplified by, but not limited to, phenyl, tolyl, xylyl, naphthyl, benzyl, and dimethyl phenyl. Suitable alkenyl groups include vinyl, allyl, propenyl, isopropenyl, butenyl, isobutenyl, pentenyl, heptenyl, hexenyl, and cyclohexenyl groups. Suitable monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon groups include, but are not limited to, a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a halogenated aryl group of 6 to 10 carbon atoms. Suitable halogenated alkyl groups are exemplified by, but not limited to, the alkyl groups described above where one or more hydrogen atoms is replaced with a halogen atom, such as F or Cl. For example, fluoromethyl, 2-fluoropropyl, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl, 4,4,4-trifluorobutyl, 4,4,4,3,3-pentafluorobutyl, 5,5,5,4,4,3,3-heptafluoropentyl, 6,6,6,5,5,4,4,3,3-nonafluorohexyl, and 8,8,8,7,7-pentafluorooctyl, 2,2-difluorocyclopropyl, 2,3-difluorocyclobutyl, 3,4-difluorocyclohexyl, and 3,4-difluoro-5-methylcycloheptyl, chloromethyl, chloropropyl, 2-dichlorocyclopropyl, and 2,3-dichlorocyclopentyl are examples of suitable halogenated alkyl groups. Suitable halogenated aryl groups are exemplified by, but not limited to, the aryl groups described above where one or more hydrogen atoms is replaced with a halogen atom, such as F or Cl. For example, chlorobenzyl and fluorobenzyl are suitable halogenated aryl groups. Suitable heterocarbyl groups include any of the hydrocarbyl groups described above, but including one or more heteroatoms, such as oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, etc. Suitable halogen atoms include F, Cl, Br, I, At, and Ts, alternatively F, Cl, and Br, alternatively Cl.

[0016] Each of Y.sup.1 to Y.sup.12 is an independently selected indole group of formula (I):

##STR00005##

where each of R.sup.43-R.sup.47 is an independently selected atom or group selected from H, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, acyl, carboxyl, carboxylate, cyano, SO.sub.3H, sulfonate, amino, trifluoromethyl, halogen, a group of formula (II) below, and combinations thereof. Examples of alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl are described above. In the formula above, the single line attached to N represents a bond, as the formula above is monovalent.

[0017] In the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite, the following provisos apply: [0018] i) two or more of R.sup.44-R.sup.47 may optionally be bonded together to give one or more cyclic moieties, and [0019] ii) in at least one of each of Y.sup.1-Y.sup.4, Y.sup.5-Y.sup.8, and Y.sup.9-Y.sup.12, either [0020] a) at least one of R.sup.43-R.sup.47 has formula (II)

##STR00006##

where each of R.sup.48-R.sup.52 is an independently selected atom or group selected from H, alkyl, aryl, and alkoxy; or [0021] b) two or more of R.sup.44-R.sup.47 are bonded together to give one or more cyclic moieties; and [0022] iii) when the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has the formula C1), at least one of R.sup.44-R.sup.46 of at least one of Y.sup.1-Y.sup.4 has formula (II).

[0023] All three of provisos (i) to (iii) apply to the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite. However, only one of provisos (ii) (a) and (ii) (b) need apply, i.e., both of (ii) (a) and (ii) (b) are not required, as these are alternative requirements, and thus only one of (ii) (a) or (ii) (b) is required.

[0024] Although all three of provisos (i) to (iii) apply to the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite, proviso (iii) is only invoked if the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite is of formula C1). Provisos (ii) (a) and (iii) are relevant to one another but apply to different embodiments of the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite. As appreciated by one of skill in the art in view of provisos (i) to (iii), when the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite is of formula C1), at least one of R.sup.44-R.sup.46 of at least one of Y.sup.1-Y.sup.4 has formula (II) based on proviso (iii). However, when the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite is of formula C2) or C3), then based on proviso (ii), at least one of R.sup.43-R.sup.47 has formula (II) (i.e., proviso (ii) (a)), or two or more of R.sup.44-R.sup.47 are bonded together to give one or more cyclic moieties (i.e., proviso (ii) (b)). Based on proviso (iii), when the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite is of formula C1), R.sup.43 of at least one of Y.sup.1-Y.sup.4 can still be of formula (II), so long as at least one of R.sup.44-R.sup.46 of at least one of Y.sup.1-Y.sup.4 also has formula (II).

[0025] In certain embodiments, formula (II) is independently selected from one of the following formulas:

##STR00007##

In the formulas above, the single line attached to each aryl moiety represents a bond in the indole group of formula (I), rather than a methyl group, as the formulas above are monovalent. Methyl groups are expressly labeled as such.

[0026] When at least one of R.sup.43-R.sup.47 has formula (II) based on proviso (ii) (a), based on the selection of formula (II), each of Y.sup.1 to Y.sup.12 can independently be selected from the group consisting of (subject to the provisos, and where Me means methyl, OMe means methoxy, Ph means phenyl, and tBu means t-butyl):

##STR00008## ##STR00009##

[0027] Alternatively, when two or more of R.sup.44-R.sup.47 are bonded together to give one or more cyclic moieties based on proviso (ii) (b), one example of Y.sup.1 to Y.sup.12 is:

##STR00010##

[0028] In certain embodiments in which proviso (ii) (a) is true, at least one of R.sup.44-R.sup.46 has formula (II). In specific embodiments in which proviso (ii) (a) is true, R.sup.44 has formula (II). In other embodiments in which proviso (ii) (a) is true, R.sup.45 has formula (II). In yet other embodiments in which proviso (ii) (a) is true, R.sup.46 has formula (II).

[0029] In these or other embodiments, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has formula C1), and each of R.sup.1-R.sup.20 is H. In other embodiments, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has formula C2), and each of R.sup.21-R.sup.34 is H. In yet other embodiments, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has formula C3), and each of R.sup.35 and R.sup.42 is H, and each of R.sup.36-R.sup.41 is methyl.

[0030] In one embodiment, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has formula C1). In another embodiment, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has formula C2). In yet another embodiment, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has formula C3).

[0031] By way of example, when indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has formula C1), and when R.sup.1-R.sup.20 are each H, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite of formula C1) becomes the following:

##STR00011##

where Y.sup.1-Y.sup.4 are independently selected and defined above.

[0032] As another example, when indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has formula C2), and when R.sup.21-R.sup.34 are each H, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite of formula C2) becomes the following:

##STR00012##

where Y.sup.5-Y.sup.8 are independently selected and defined above.

[0033] As yet another example, when indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has formula C3), R.sup.35 and R.sup.42 are H, and each of R.sup.36-R.sup.41 is methyl, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite of formula C3) becomes the following:

##STR00013##

where Y.sup.9-Y.sup.12 are independently selected and defined above.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has formula C1), provisos (i), (ii) (a), and (iii) apply, and R.sup.1-R.sup.20 and Y.sup.1-Y.sup.4 are selected such that the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite is selected from the group consisting of those below in Table 1 (L1-L9 or L13).

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Certain Species of Indole-Functionalized Bisphosphoramidite (L1) [00014] 2,2-bis((bis(6-mesityl-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8- octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene (L2) [00015] 2,2-bis((bis(6-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)- 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene (L3) [00016] 2,2-bis((bis(6-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)- 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene; (L4) [00017] 2,2-bis((bis(6-([1,1,3,1-terphenyl]-5-yl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)- 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene (L5) [00018] 2,2-bis((bis(6-([1,1:3,1-terphenyl]-5-yl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)- 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene (L6) [00019] 2,2-bis((bis(6-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)- 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene (L7) [00020] 2,2-bis((bis(6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)- 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene (L8) [00021] 2,2-bis((bis(5-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)- 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene (L9) [00022] 2,2-bis((bis(4-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)- 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene (L13) [00023] 2,2-bis((bis(6-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-3-methyl-1H-indol-1- yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene

[0035] One of skill in the art understands how to prepare the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidites above in view of the Examples herein, and understands how to replace certain starting materials to modify desired structures under similar reaction schemes. In addition, general methods of preparing ligand structures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,795,952 to Diebolt et al, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and which can be modified by one of skill in the art in view of the teachings herein to prepare the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidites above.

[0036] In another embodiment, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has formula C1), provisos (i), (ii) (b), and (iii) apply, and R.sup.1-R.sup.20 and Y.sup.1-Y.sup.4 are selected such that the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has the following formula below in Table 2 (L12).

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Specie of Indole-Functionalized Bisphosphoramidite (L12) [00024] 2,2-bis(((7,8-dihydrocyclopenta[g]indol-1(6H)-yl)(1H-indol-1- yl)phosphaneyl)oxy)-5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-binaphthalene

[0037] One of skill in the art understands how to prepare the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite above in view of the Examples herein, and understands how to replace certain starting materials to modify desired structures under similar reaction schemes. In addition, general methods of preparing ligand structures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,795,952 to Diebolt et al, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and which can be modified by one of skill in the art in view of the teachings herein to prepare the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite above.

[0038] In other embodiments, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has formula C2), and R.sup.21-R.sup.34, and Y.sup.5-Y.sup.8 are selected such that the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has the following formula below in Table 3 (L11).

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Specie of Indole-Functionalized Bisphosphoramidite (L11) [00025] 4,4-bis((bis(6-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indol-1-yl) phosphaneyl)oxy)-1,1,3,3-tetrahydro-2,2-spirobi[indene]

[0039] One of skill in the art understands how to prepare the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite above in view of the Examples herein, and understands how to replace certain starting materials to modify desired structures under similar reaction schemes. In addition, general methods of preparing ligand structures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,795,952 to Diebolt et al, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and which can be modified by one of skill in the art in view of the teachings herein to prepare the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite above.

[0040] In yet other embodiments, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has formula C3), and R.sup.35-R.sup.42, and Y.sup.9-Y.sup.12 are selected such that the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite has the following formula below in Table 4 (L10).

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Specie of Indole-Functionalized Bisphosphoramidite (L10) [00026] 1,1,1,1-(((4,4,5,5,6,6-hexamethyl-[1,1-biphenyl]-2,2- diyl)bis(oxy))bis(phosphanetriyl))tetrakis (6-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indole)

[0041] One of skill in the art understands how to prepare the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite above in view of the Examples herein, and understands how to replace certain starting materials to modify desired structures under similar reaction schemes. In addition, general methods of preparing ligand structures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,795,952 to Diebolt et al, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and which can be modified by one of skill in the art in view of the teachings herein to prepare the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite above.

[0042] A method for preparing a rhodium-ligand complex is also disclosed. The method comprises combining starting materials comprising: (I) a rhodium catalyst precursor, and (II) the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite; and optionally (III) a solvent. The rhodium-ligand complex forms from starting materials (I) and (II), optionally in starting material (III).

[0043] For example, the rhodium-ligand complex may be prepared by a process comprising combining a rhodium catalyst precursor and the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite described above under conditions to form the complex. Alternatively, the rhodium-ligand complex may be formed in situ by introducing the rhodium catalyst precursor into a reaction medium, and the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite into the reaction medium (e.g., before, during, and/or after introduction of the rhodium catalyst precursor), for the in situ formation of the rhodium-ligand complex, e.g. during a hydroformylation reaction, as described below. Rhodium catalyst precursors are exemplified by rhodium dicarbonyl acetylacetonate, Rh.sub.2O.sub.3, Rh.sub.4(CO).sub.12, Rh.sub.6(CO).sub.16, and Rh(NO.sub.3).sub.3. Additional methods to prepare certain indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidites are described herein in the appended Examples.

[0044] For example, a rhodium catalyst precursor, such as rhodium dicarbonyl acetylacetonate, optionally starting material (D), a solvent, and the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite may be combined, e.g., by any convenient means such as mixing.

[0045] The rhodium-ligand complex is particularly suited for a hydroformylation process involving an olefin. The hydroformylation process described herein employs starting materials comprising: (A) a gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide, (B) an olefin, and (C) the rhodium-ligand complex catalyst. The starting materials may optionally further comprise (D) a solvent.

[0046] Starting material (A), the gas used in the hydroformylation process, comprises carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen gas (H.sub.2). For example, the gas may be syngas. As used herein, syngas (from synthesis gas) refers to a gas mixture that contains varying amounts of CO and H.sub.2. Production methods are well known and include, for example: (1) steam reforming and partial oxidation of natural gas or liquid hydrocarbons, and (2) the gasification of coal and/or biomass. CO and H.sub.2 typically are the main components of syngas, but syngas may contain carbon dioxide and inert gases such as CH.sub.4, N.sub.2 and Ar. The molar ratio of H.sub.2 to CO (H.sub.2:CO molar ratio) varies greatly but may range from 1:100 to 100:1, alternatively 1:10 and 10:1. Syngas is commercially available and is often used as a fuel source or as an intermediate for the production of other chemicals. Alternatively, CO and H.sub.2 from other sources (i.e., other than syngas) may be used as starting material (A) herein. Alternatively, the H.sub.2:CO molar ratio in starting material (A) for use herein may be 3:1 to 1:3, alternatively 2:1 to 1:2, and alternatively 1:1.

[0047] Starting material (B), the olefin, is not limited. Starting material (B) may be substituted or unsubstituted, and can be selected from optically active (prochiral and chiral) and non-optically active (achiral) olefinic unsaturated compounds containing from 2 to 40, alternatively from 2 to 30, alternatively from 2 to 20, carbon atoms and one or more carbon-carbon double bonds (CC).

[0048] Starting material (B), can be terminally or internally unsaturated and be of straight-chain, branched chain, or cyclic structures. Olefin mixtures, such as obtained from the oligomerization of propene, butene, and isobutene, (such as, so called dimeric, trimeric or tetrameric propylene) may also be employed, as well as mixed butenes, for example, raffinate I and raffinate II known to one of skill in the art.

[0049] Exemplary examples of alpha and internal olefins suitable for starting material (B) include ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tridecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-pentadecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-heptadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-nonadecene, 1-eicosene, 2-butene, 2-methyl propene (isobutylene), 2-methylbutene, 2-pentene, 2-hexene, 3-hexane, 2-heptene, 2-octene, cyclohexene, propylene dimers, propylene trimers, propylene tetramers, butadiene, piperylene, isoprene, 2-ethyl-1-hexene, styrene, 4-methyl styrene, 4-isopropyl styrene, 4-tert-butyl styrene, alpha-methyl styrene, 4-tert-butyl-alpha-methyl styrene, 1,3-diisopropenylbenzene, 3-phenyl-1-propene, 1,4-hexadiene, 1,7-octadiene, 3-cyclohexyl-1-butene, and the like, as well as, 1,3-dienes, butadiene, alkyl alkenoates, for example, methyl pentenoate; alkenyl alkanoates, alkenyl alkyl ethers, alkenols, for example, pentenols; alkenals, for example, pentenals; such species to include allyl alcohol, allyl butyrate, hex-1-en-4-ol, oct-1-en-4-ol, vinyl acetate, allyl acetate, 3-butenyl acetate, vinyl propionate, allyl propionate, methyl methacrylate, vinyl ethyl ether, vinyl methyl ether, allyl ethyl ether, n-propyl-7-octenoate, 3-butenenitrile, 5-hexenamide, eugenol, iso-eugenol, safrole, iso-safrole, anethol, 4-allylanisole, indene, limonene, beta-pinene, dicyclopentadiene, cyclooctadiene, camphene, linalool, oleic acid and esters thereof, such as methyl oleate, and homologous unsaturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acid esters. Illustrative of suitable substituted and unsubstituted olefinic starting materials include those olefinic compounds described in Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Fourth Edition, 1996, the pertinent portions of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0050] The (C) rhodium-ligand complex is described above and may be introduced into the reactor, optionally with excess indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite. Alternatively, the rhodium catalyst precursor, (D) the solvent, and the ligand may be combined in the reactor with starting material (A) and/or (B), the olefin; and the rhodium-ligand complex may form in situ. The relative amounts of ligand and rhodium catalyst precursor are sufficient to provide a molar ratio of indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite/Rh of 10/1 to 1/1, alternatively 5/1 to 1/1, alternatively 3/1 to 1/1, alternatively 2.5/1 to 1.5/1. In addition to the rhodium-ligand complex, excess (e.g., not complexed) indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite may be present in the reaction mixture. The excess indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite may be the same as, or different from, the indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite in the rhodium-ligand complex.

[0051] The amount of (C) the rhodium-ligand complex catalyst (catalyst) is sufficient to catalyze hydroformylation of (B) the olefin. The exact amount of catalyst will depend on various factors including the type of olefin selected for starting material (B), its exact vinyl content, and the reaction conditions such as temperature and pressure of starting material (A). However, the amount of (C) the catalyst may be sufficient to provide a rhodium metal concentration of at least 0.1 ppm, alternatively 0.15 ppm, alternatively 0.2 ppm, alternatively 0.25 ppm, and alternatively 0.5 ppm, based on the weight of (B) the olefin. At the same time, the amount of (C) the catalyst may be sufficient to provide a rhodium metal concentration of up to 300 ppm, alternatively up to 100 ppm, alternatively up to 20 ppm, and alternatively up to 5 ppm, on the same basis. Alternatively, the amount of (C) the catalyst may be sufficient to provide 0.1 ppm to 300 ppm, alternatively 0.2 ppm to 100 ppm, alternatively, 0.25 ppm to 20 ppm, and alternatively 0.5 ppm to 5 ppm, based on the weight of (B) the olefin.

[0052] The hydroformylation process reaction may run without additional solvents. Alternatively, the hydroformylation process reaction may be carried out with a solvent, for example to facilitate mixing and/or delivery of one or more of the starting materials described above, such as (C) the catalyst and/or starting material (B). The solvent is exemplified by aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons, which can dissolve the starting materials, e.g., toluene, xylene, benzene, hexane, heptane, decane, cyclohexane, or a combination of two or more thereof. Additional solvents include THF, dibutyl ether, diglyme, and Texanol. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that solvent may be used to reduce the viscosity of the starting materials. The amount of solvent is not critical, however, when present, the amount of solvent may be 5% to 70% based on weight of starting material (B) the olefin.

[0053] In the process described herein, step 1) is performed at relatively low temperature. For example, step 1) may be performed at a temperature of at least 30 C., alternatively at least 50 C., and alternatively at least 70 C. At the same time, the temperature in step 1) may be up to 150 C.; alternatively up to 100 C.; alternatively up to 90 C., and alternatively up to 80 C. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that lower temperatures, e.g., 30 C. to 90 C., alternatively 40 C. to 90 C., alternatively 50 C. to 90 C., alternatively 60 C. to 90 C., alternatively 70 C. to 90 C., alternatively 80 C. to 90 C., alternatively 30 C. to 60 C., alternatively 50 C. to 60 C. may be desired for achieving high selectivity and ligand stability.

[0054] In the process described herein, step 1) may be performed at a pressure of at least 101 kPa (ambient), alternatively at least 206 kPa (30 psi), and alternatively at least 344 kPa (50 psi). At the same time, pressure in step 1) may be up to 6,895 kPa (1,000 psi), alternatively up to 1,379 kPa (200 psi), alternatively up to 1000 kPa (145 psi), and alternatively up to 689 kPa (100 psi). Alternatively, step 1) may be performed at 101 kPa to 6,895 kPa; alternatively 344 kPa to 1,379 kPa; alternatively 101 kPa to 1,000 kPa; and alternatively 344 kPa to 689 kPa. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that using relatively low pressures, e.g., <to 6,895 kPa in the process herein may be beneficial; the ligands described herein allow for low pressure hydroformylation processes, which have the benefits of lower cost and better safety than high pressure hydroformylation processes.

[0055] The hydroformylation process may be carried out in a batch, semi-batch, or continuous mode, using one or more suitable reactors, such as a fixed bed reactor, a fluid bed reactor, a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), or a slurry reactor. The selection of (B) the olefin, and (C) the catalyst, and whether (D) the solvent, is used may impact the size and type of reactor used. One reactor, or two or more different reactors, may be used. The hydroformylation process may be conducted in one or more steps, which may be affected by balancing capital costs and achieving high catalyst selectivity, activity, lifetime, and ease of operability, as well as the reactivity of the particular starting materials and reaction conditions selected, and the desired product.

[0056] Alternatively, the hydroformylation process may be performed in a continuous manner. For example, the process used may be as described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,023,516 except that the catalyst described therein is replaced with (C) the rhodium-ligand complex described herein.

[0057] Step 1) of the hydroformylation process forms a reaction fluid comprising an aldehyde-functional compound. The reaction fluid may further comprise additional materials, such as those which have either been deliberately employed, or formed in situ, during step 1) of the process. Examples of such materials that can also be present include unreacted (B) olefin, unreacted (A) carbon monoxide and hydrogen gases, and/or in situ formed side products, such as indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite degradation products and adducts thereof, and high boiling liquid aldehyde condensation byproducts, as well as (D) a solvent, if employed. The term indole-functionalized bisphosphoramidite degradation product includes but is not limited to any and all compounds resulting from one or more chemical transformations of at least one of the ligand molecules used in the process.

[0058] The hydroformylation process may further comprise one or more additional steps such as: 2) recovering (C) the rhodium-ligand complex from the reaction fluid comprising the aldehyde-functional compound. Recovering (C) the rhodium-ligand complex may be performed by methods known in the art, including but not limited to adsorption and/or membrane separation (e.g., nanofiltration). Suitable recovery methods are as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,473 to Miller, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,748,643 to Priske, et al.; and 10,155,200 to Geilen, et al.

[0059] However, one benefit of the process described herein is that (C) the catalyst need not be removed and recycled. Due to the low level of Rh needed, it may be more cost effective not to recover and recycle (C) the catalyst; and the aldehyde-functional compound produced by the process may be stable even when the catalyst is not removed. Therefore, alternatively, the process described above may be performed without step 2).

[0060] Alternatively, the hydroformylation process may further comprise 3) purification of the reaction product. For example, the aldehyde-functional compound may be isolated from the additional materials, described above, by any convenient means such as stripping and/or distillation, optionally with reduced pressure.

[0061] The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention and are not to be viewed in any way as limiting to the scope of the invention.

[0062] Certain components utilized in the Examples are set forth in Table 5 below.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Components/Compounds Utilized Component Chemical Class/Description Solvent 1 Toluene (C.sub.7H.sub.8) Solvent 2 Tetraglyme Olefin Propylene Precatalyst [00027] obtained from from Sigma-Aldrich as XPhos Pd G3 Ligand 1 As synthesized in Preparation Example 1 (L1) Ligand 2 As synthesized in Preparation Example 2 (L2) Ligand 3 As synthesized in Preparation Example 3 (L3) Ligand 4 As synthesized in Preparation Example 4 (L4) Ligand 5 As synthesized in Preparation Example 5 (L5) Ligand 6 As synthesized in Preparation Example 6 (L6) Ligand 7 As synthesized in Preparation Example 7 (L7) Ligand 8 As synthesized in Preparation Example 8 (L8) Ligand 9 As synthesized in Preparation Example 9 (L9) Ligand 10 As synthesized in Preparation Example 10 (L10) Ligand 11 As synthesized in Preparation Example 11 (L11) Ligand 12 As synthesized in Preparation Example 12 (L12) Ligand 13 As synthesized in Preparation Example 13 (L13) Comparative Ligand 1 (CL1) [00028] as prepared in accordance with the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 9,795,952 to Diebolt et al. Comparative Ligand 2 (CL2) [00029] as synthesized in Preparation Example 14 Comparative Ligand 3 (CL3) [00030] as synthesized in Preparation Example 15

[0063] The product structures and composition were supported by .sup.1H, .sup.13C, and .sup.29Si Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).

[0064] .sup.1H, .sup.13C, and .sup.29Si NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian 400-NMR spectrometer (400 MHZ, .sup.1H) with an autosampler. Chemical shifts () for .sup.1H and .sup.13C spectra were referenced to internal solvent resonances and are reported relative to tetramethyl silane. Predicted chemical shifts for .sup.1H and .sup.13C spectra were obtained using Perkin-Elmer ChemDraw Version 18.2.0.48 software.

PREPARATION EXAMPLES: LIGAND SYNTHESIS

[0065] Unless otherwise mentioned, all solvents and reagents were obtained from commercial sources and used as received. Anhydrous toluene, hexanes, tetrahydrofuran, and diethyl ether were purified via passage through activated alumina. Solvents used for experiments performed in a nitrogen-filled glovebox were further dried by storage over activated 3 molecular sieves. Glassware for moisture-sensitive reactions was dried in an oven (120 C.) overnight prior to use. NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker 400-MHz spectrometer. LC-MS analyses were performed using a Waters e2695 Separations Module coupled with a Waters 2424 ELS detector, a Waters 2998 PDA detector, and a Waters 3100 ESI mass detector. LC-MS separations were performed on an XBridge C18 3.5 m 2.150 mm column using a 5:95 to 100:0 acetonitrile to water gradient with 0.1% formic acid as the ionizing agent. HRMS analyses were performed using an Agilent 1290 Infinity LC with a Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 1.8 m 2.150 mm column, coupled with an Agilent 6230 TOF Mass Spectrometer with electrospray ionization. .sup.1H NMR data are reported as follows: chemical shift (multiplicity (br=broad, s=singlet, d=doublet, t=triplet, q=quartet, p=pentet, sex=sextet, sept=septet and m=multiplet), integration, and assignment). Chemical shifts for .sup.1H NMR data are reported in ppm in the deuterated solvent as references. .sup.13C NMR data were determined with .sup.1H decoupling, and the chemical shifts are reported in ppm relative to tetramethylsilane (TMS, scale) using residual carbons in the deuterated solvent as references. Chemical shifts for .sup.31P NMR data chemical shifts are reported in ppm (referenced with respect to H.sub.3PO.sub.4).

Preparation Example 1: Ligand 1

##STR00031##

[0066] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, a 220 mL jar was charged with 2.0 g (12.45 mmol) of 1H-indole-6-boronic acid (1a), 0.2 g (0.24 mmol) of Precatalyst, and 85 mL of THF. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes at room temperature. After 5 minutes, 2.34 g (11.75 mmol) of 2-bromo-1,3,5-trimethylbenzene 2a was added to the solution, followed by approximately 70 mL of an aqueous solution of potassium phosphate tribasic (7.48 g (35.26 mmol) in 70 mL of H.sub.2O). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The next day, the reaction was removed from the glove box. Diethyl ether (80 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was further washed with 80 mL of diethyl ether (2). The organic layers were combined and dried over MgSO.sub.4 and activated carbon. The ether solution was then filtered through a silica plug and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield a white solid. The solid was washed with cold hexanes and dried under vacuum. Yield: 2.70 g (97%). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, C.sub.6D.sub.6) 7.68 (dq, J=8.0, 0.7 Hz, 1H), 6.99 (ddd, J=8.1, 1.4, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 6.97-6.91 (m, 3H), 6.72 (s, 1H), 6.59 (ddd, J=3.1, 2.4, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 6.50 (ddd, J=3.1, 2.1, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.16 (d, J=0.7 Hz, 6H). .sup.13C {.sup.1H} NMR (101 MHZ, C.sub.2D.sub.6) 140.62, 136.58, 136.46, 136.25, 135.47, 128.54, 127.16, 124.18, 121.86, 121.13, 111.73, 102.68, 21.21.

##STR00032##

[0067] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, phosphorus trichloride (0.36 g, 2.65 mmol) and triethylamine (1.08 g, 10.62 mmol) were added to 75 mL of toluene in a 110 mL glass jar. The solution was placed in the glove box freezer (35 C.) for 1 hour to chill. The indole 3a (1.25 g, 5.31 mmol) was weighed into a 20 mL vial and dissolved in 10 mL of toluene. The indole solution was also chilled in the glove box freezer for 1 hour. The two solutions were removed from the freezer and the cold indole solution was added drop wise with stirring to the cold PCl.sub.3/Net.sub.3 solution. A copious amount of white precipitate formed during the addition. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, the reaction was monitored throughout. Once complete, the reaction was filtered through Celite to remove triethylammonium chloride and the pale-yellow filtrate was pumped down to dryness. The material 4b was deemed sufficiently pure to proceed to the next step in the reaction. .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 103.9 (s) ppm.

##STR00033##

[0068] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-bi-2-naphthol (5a, 0.15 g, 0.51 mmol) and bis[6-(2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-1H-indolyl]chlorophosphine (4a, 0.545 g, 1.01 mmol) were weighed into a 110 mL glass jar and dissolved in 25 mL of toluene to create a reddish yellow solution and kept in the freezer for an hour (35 C.). Triethylamine (0.2 g) was added drop wise with stirring to the solution, resulting in immediate formation of a white precipitate. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature and slowly warmed up to 50 C. overnight. The next morning, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered, and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. .sup.31P NMR shows full conversion to the desired bisphosphoramidite product with some cyclic phosphoramidite and triphosphoramidite products. The solid was purified by neutral alumina chromatography to yield 200 mg (30% yield) of the product (Ligand L1). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 7.66-7.54 (m, 4H), 7.26-7.24 (m, 2H), 7.12 (s, 2H), 7.01-6.92 (m, 12H), 6.91-6.88 (m, 4H), 6.88-6.82 (m, 4H), 6.51-6.37 (m, 4H), 2.80-2.55 (m, 4H), 2.46-2.41 (m, 12H), 2.38 (m, 2H), 2.21 (m, 2H), 2.00 (s, 6H), 1.90 (s, 6H), 1.79 (s, 6H), 1.69 (s, 6H), 1.62-1.32 (m, 8H). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHz, C.sub.6D.sub.6) 107.18 (s) ppm.

Preparation Example 2: Ligand 2

##STR00034##

[0069] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, a 220-mL jar was charged with 2.06 g (12.8 mmol) of 1H-indole-6-boronic acid (1a), 0.22 g (0.25 mmol) of Precatalyst, and 80 mL of THF. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes at room temperature. After 5 minutes, 3.54 mL (14.1 mmol) of 1-bromo-3,5-dimethylbenzene 2b was added to the solution, followed by approximately 60 mL of an aqueous solution of potassium phosphate tribasic (7.92 g (37.3 mmol) in 60 mL of H.sub.2O). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The next day, the reaction was removed from the glove box. Diethyl ether (80 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was further washed with 80 mL of diethyl ether (2). The organic layers were combined and dried over MgSO.sub.4 and activated carbon. The ether solution was then filtered through a basic alumina plug and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield a white solid. The solid was washed with cold hexanes and dried under vacuum. Yield: 2.03 g (6.23 mmol, 49.4%). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 8.15 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.65 (dt, J=8.2, 0.7 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.57 (dt, J=1.6, 0.8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.35 (dd, J=8.2, 1.6 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.27-7.24 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.21 (dd, J=3.2, 2.4 Hz, 1H, ArH), 6.96-6.94 (m, 1H, ArH), 6.55 (ddd, J=3.1, 2.0, 1.0, Hz, ArH), 2.37 (overlapping singlets, 6H, CH.sub.3). .sup.13C {.sup.1H} NMR (101 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) 142.5 (s), 138.4 (s), 136.5 (s), 136.0 (s), 128.5 (s), 127.3 (s), 125.6 (s), 124.9 (s), 121.0 (s), 120.1 (s), 109.7 (s), 102.8 (s), 21.7 (s) ppm.

##STR00035##

[0070] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, phosphorus trichloride (0.34 mL, 3.9 mmol) and triethylamine (2.5 mL, 18 mmol) were added to 70 mL of toluene in a 110-mL glass jar. The solution was placed in the glove box freezer (35 C.) for 1 hour to chill. 6-(3,5-Dimethylphenyl)-1H-indole 3b (1.75 g) was weighed into a 20 mL vial and dissolved in 15 mL of toluene. The indole solution was also chilled in the glove box freezer for 1 hour. The two solutions were removed from the freezer and the cold indole solution was added dropwise with stirring to the cold PCl.sub.3/Net.sub.3 solution. A copious amount of white precipitate formed during the addition. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stir overnight. The next day, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The spectrum showed formation of the desired product at 103 ppm. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite to remove triethylammonium chloride and the yellow filtrate was pumped down to dryness. Yield: 1.56 g (3.08 mmol, 78.0%). Note: 87% purity by .sup.31P NMR. The material 4b was deemed sufficiently pure to proceed to the next step in the reaction. .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, C.sub.6D.sub.6) 104.7 (s) ppm.

##STR00036##

[0071] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-bi-2-naphthol (5a, 0.45 g, 1.5 mmol) and bis[6-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-1H-indolyl]chlorophosphine (4b, 1.55 g, 3.06 mmol) were weighed into a 110 mL glass jar and dissolved in 80 mL of toluene to create a yellow solution. Triethylamine (1 mL, 7 mmol) was added drop wise with stirring to the solution, resulting in immediate formation of a white precipitate. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. The next morning, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered, and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The spectrum showed conversion to the desired product (L2, 105 ppm) in approximately 60% purity. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite to remove triethylammonium chloride and the yellow filtrate was pumped down to dryness. The material was loaded on a 24 g Gold silica column and eluted with pure hexanes for 10 column volumes. Chloroform was then introduced to the eluent, gradually increasing to 20% chloroform (80% hexanes) over five column volumes. This solvent mixture (20/80) was used for another 10 column volumes. A total of 520 mg of pure material Ligand L2 (white powder) was obtained. Overall yield: 0.520 g (0.421 mmol, 27.5%). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, C.sub.6D.sub.2) 7.88 (s, 4H, ArCH), 7.47 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 4H, ArCH), 7.39 (dt, J=8.2, 1.6 Hz, 4H, ArCH), 7.22 (dt, J=3.0, 1.3 Hz, 2H, ArCH), 7.18-7.14 (m, 8H, ArCH), 7.08 (dt, J=3.2, 1.5 Hz, 2H, ArH), 6.86 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H, ArH), 6.81-6.76 (m, 4H, ArH), 6.60 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H, ArH), 6.42 (ddd, J=5.6, 3.4, 0.8 Hz, 4H, ArH), 2.50-2.28 (m, 6H, CH.sub.2), 2.17 (s, 12H, CH.sub.3), 2.16 (s, 12H, CH.sub.3), 2.14-2.04 (m, 2H, CH.sub.2), 1.42-1.19 (m, 8H, CH.sub.2). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, C.sub.6D.sub.6) 107.8 (s) ppm.

Preparation Example 3: Ligand 3

##STR00037##

[0072] A 3-neck 2-L round bottom flask was charged with 25 g (155.3 mmol) of 1H-Indole-6-boronic acid (1a), 2.7 g (3.1 mmol) of Precatalyst, and 500 mL of THF. The mixture was stirred at room temperature. After 5 minutes, 41.2 g (170.8 mmol) of 1-bromo-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzene (2c) was added to the solution, followed by approximately 600 mL of an aqueous solution of potassium phosphate tribasic (99 g, 466 mmol in 600 mL of H.sub.2O). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. Next morning, an aliquot was removed and analyzed by UP-LC which showed complete consumption of starting material. Diethyl ether (400 mL) was added, and the mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was further washed with 200 ml of diethyl ether (2). The organic layers were combined and dried over anhydrous MgSO.sub.4. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield a brownish solid. Next, the material was dissolved in diethyl ether and treated with activated carbon for decolorization. The product was filtered through a Celite pad and concentrated down to yield brownish solid. The solid was purified by trituration as described below.

[0073] Trituration Procedure: Hexane (300 mL, 10 ml/g crude material) was added to the crude material. The mixture was heated in a water bath (55 C.) for 15 mins to dissolve the non-polar impurities and the mixture was quickly filtered with a frit filter to collect the pure product. Following the first trituration, 23.0 g of pure product 3c was isolated as white powder. The filtrate from the first trituration was concentrated on a rotary evaporator to leave a solid residue which was purified by silica gel column chromatography using hexane:ethyl acetate as eluent to yield a second batch of the product (3c, 7.5 g) as a white solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) 8.18 (s, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (dt, J=1.7, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (dd, J=8.2, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.25-7.21 (m, 1H), 6.60 (ddd, J=3.1, 2.0, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 1.43 (s, 18H). .sup.13C NMR (101 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 150.95, 141.70, 136.91, 136.35, 127.02, 124.59, 122.00, 120.79, 120.72, 120.19, 109.73, 102.54, 34.97, 31.57.

##STR00038##

[0074] Triethylamine (34 mL, 245.5 mmol) in toluene (50 mL) was charged to a 110-mL glass jar and chilled inside the glove box refrigerator. PCl.sub.3 (3.6 mL, 41.1 mmol) charged to a 1-L round-bottom flask along with 50 mL of toluene was placed in the glove box refrigerator at the same time. After an hour, both the solutions were taken out of the refrigerator and the triethylamine solution was slowly added to the PCl.sub.3 solution. An additional 175 mL chilled toluene was added to the flask to keep the concentration at around 0.2 M (with respect to the PCl.sub.3). The 6-(3,5-di-tert-butyl)-1H-indole (3c, 25.0 g, 81.8 mmol) was weighed into a 110 mL glass jar and slowly added portion-wise to the cold PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution with vigorous stirring over a period of 0.5-1 h. A white precipitate started forming during the addition. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred for another 12 h. The reaction progress was monitored by .sup.31P NMR. The next day, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The NMR shows formation of the desired mono-chlorophosphoramidite (4c, 108.17 ppm) as the major product along with a minor amount of tri(indolyl)phosphine ( 70.95 ppm). The crude reaction mixture was passed through a Celite pad. The filtrate was transferred to a 1 L flask and concentrated down to a 200 mL volume using the glove box vacuum pump (vacuum trap cooled with liquid nitrogen). The crude reaction mixture was sampled for .sup.31P NMR and then used directly in the next step.

##STR00039##

[0075] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, bis[6-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indolyl]chlorophosphine (4c, 27.75 g, 41.1 mmol) and toluene (200 mL) were charged to a 1-L round-bottom flask and stored in the glove box freezer for an hour (35 C.). A solution of 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-bi-2-naphthol (5a, 5.5 g, 18.7 mmol) in 50 mL of toluene was added slowly. Triethylamine (15.5 mL, 112 mmol) was then added dropwise with stirring to the solution, resulting in immediate formation of a white precipitate; the reaction mixture later became cloudy and yellow. The mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature. After an hour, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered, and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR which showed full conversion to the bis-phosphoramidite product (Ligand L3, 112.73 ppm) along with some cyclic phosphoramidite (<2%, 130.53 ppm) and tri(indolyl)phosphine (<6%, 70.96 ppm) byproducts. The reaction mixture was taken out from the glovebox and passed through a Celite pad to remove all the inorganic salts; the filtrate volatiles were removed on a rotary evaporator to leave an orange foamy solid. This crude material was divided into two batches (each batch approximately 10-12 g crude material) for silica gel chromatography. Two 330 g columns were used to purify the material using hexane-DCM as eluent. After purification of the two batches, the total isolated product was around 20 g of a white powder material for a 71% yield having 98% purity. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 7.54 (dd, J=15.6, 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.27 (m, 6H), 7.20 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 2H), 7.13-7.08 (m, 1H), 6.98-6.91 (m, 1H), 6.74 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 2H), 6.56 (d, J=3.4 Hz, 1H), 6.42 (d, J=3.4 Hz, 1H), 2.49 (dt, J=16.3, 6.3 Hz, 1H), 2.28 (dt, J=16.2, 6.3 Hz, 1H), 2.15 (dt, J=17.2, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 2.03 (dt, J=17.4, 6.2 Hz, 1H), 1.33 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 39H), 1.28-1.14 (m, 1H). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 110.59 ppm.

Preparation Example 4: Ligand 4

##STR00040##

[0076] A 3-neck 250 mL round bottom flask was charged with 2.0 g (12.4 mmol) of 1H-indole-6-boronic acid (1a), 210 mg (0.25 mmol) of Precatalyst, and 80 mL of THF. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes at room temperature. After 5 minutes, 4.2 g (13.7 mmol) of 1-bromo-3,5-di-phenylbenzene (2d) was added to the solution, followed by approximately 50 ml of an aqueous solution of potassium phosphate tribasic [7.9 g (38 mmol) in 25 mL of H.sub.2O]. The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The next day, the reaction was monitored by LC-MS. Once all starting material was consumed, diethyl ether (80 mL) was added, and the reaction mixture was transferred to a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was further washed with 80 mL of diethyl ether (2). The organic layers were combined and dried over MgSO.sub.4 and activated carbon. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield a brownish solid which was purified by silica gel chromatography (5%-15% ethyl acetate in hexane) to yield 1.98 g (46% yield) of the product. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, Chloroform-d 8.22 (s, 1H), 7.87 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (m, 2H), 7.77-7.69 (m, 6H), 7.56-7.45 (m, 5H), 7.45-7.36 (m, 2H), 7.26 (m, 1H), 6.62 (t, J=2.6 Hz, 1H). .sup.13C NMR (101 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 143.38, 142.24, 141.34, 136.37, 135.42, 128.81, 127.45, 127.37, 125.41, 124.94, 124.57, 121.01, 119.91, 109.73, 102.63.

##STR00041##

[0077] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, phosphorus trichloride (0.4 mL, 4.6 mmol) and triethylamine (6.9 mL) were added to 50 ml of toluene in a 110 mL glass jar. The solution was placed in the glove box freezer (35 C.) for 1 hour to chill. The 6-(3,5-di-tert-butyl)-1H-indole (3d, 3.0 g, 9.8 mmol) was weighed into a 50 mL glass jar and dissolved in 25 mL of toluene. The PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution was removed from the freezer and the indole solution was added drop wise (by an additional funnel) with stirring to the cold PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution. A copious amount of white precipitate formed during the addition. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The next day, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The NMR spectrum showed formation of the desired mono-chlorophosphoramidite ( 105.61 ppm) as the major product, along with the bis-chloro compound as the minor product ( 145.42 ppm). After 12 h, 0.2 equivalent of indole compound was slowly added and after an hour, the reaction was further analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy which indicated complete conversion, primarily to the desired mono-chlorophosphoramidite ( 105.61 ppm) with 4-5% bis-chloro compound as a minor product ( 145.42 ppm). The crude mixture was filtered through a plug of Celite to remove the inorganic salts and the filtrate was further evaporated using glove box vacuum pump (keeping liquid nitrogen in the trap) leaving 3.11 g of the desired mono-chlorophosphoramidite as a yellowish powder (>90% yield) and then used directly in the next step.

##STR00042##

[0078] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-bi-2-naphthol (5a, 11, 1.2 g, 4.1 mmol) and bis[6-(3,5-di-phenyl-phenyl)-1H-indolyl]chlorophosphine (4d, 7.25 g, 8.6 mmol) were weighed into a 220 mL glass jar and dissolved in 80 mL of toluene to create a reddish yellow solution and kept in the freezer for an hour (35 C.). Triethylamine (3.4 mL, 24.5 mmol) was added dropwise with stirring to the solution, resulting in immediate formation of a white precipitate. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature and slowly warmed up to 50 C. overnight. The next morning, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered, and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy; full conversion to products ( 111.01 ppm) with some cyclic phosphoramidite product ( 128.22 ppm) was indicated. Two step purification was required to remove all the attendant by-products. In a first step, a 330 g gold silica gel column (5-30% dichloromethane in hexane) was utilized to purify the bis-product with the rest of the side products. In a second step, a 160 g neutral alumina column was utilized to further purify the bisphosphoramidite product from the indole side product (5-20% dichloromethane in hexane). After column purification, 1.9 g of pure bisphosphoramidite product (Ligand L4) was obtained with 24% yield. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 7.70 (m, 2H), 7.65-7.55 (m, 9H), 7.51-7.41 (m, 14H), 7.37 (m, 6H), 7.34-7.26 (m, 1H), 7.06 (m, 1H), 6.99-6.93 (m, 1H), 6.77 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 6.66 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.52 (d, J=3.4 Hz, 1H), 6.37 (d, J=3.4 Hz, 1H), 2.47 (m, 1H), 2.22 (m, 2H), 2.03 (m, 1H), 1.40 (m, 3H), 1.26 (m, 3H). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 110.53 ppm.

Preparation Example 5: Ligand 5

##STR00043##

[0079] A 3-neck 2-L round bottom flask was charged with 2 g (12.4 mmol) of 1H-indole-6-boronic acid (1a), 0.2 g (0.25 mmol) of Precatalyst, and 80 mL of THF. The mixture was stirred at room temperature. After 5 minutes, 3.0 g (13.7 mmol) of 1-bromo-3,5-di-methoxy-benzene (2e) was added to the solution, followed by approximately 50 mL of an aqueous solution of potassium phosphate tribasic (7.9 g, 38 mmol in 25 mL of H.sub.2O). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. Next morning, an aliquot was removed and analyzed by LC-MS which showed complete consumption of starting material. Diethyl ether (80 mL) was added, and the mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was further washed with 50 ml of diethyl ether (2). The organic layers were combined and dried over anhydrous MgSO.sub.4. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield a brownish solid. The solid was purified by silica gel column chromatography using hexane:ethyl acetate as eluent to yield 2.1 g of the product (3e, 66% yield). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 8.21 (s, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.39 (dd, J=8.2, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.24-7.18 (m, 1H), 6.82 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 2H), 6.73-6.53 (m, 1H), 6.48 (t, J=2.3 Hz, 1H), 3.87 (s, 6H). .sup.13C NMR (101 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 160.97, 144.61, 136.23, 135.49, 127.46, 124.92, 120.80, 119.73, 109.59, 105.71, 102.55, 98.73, 55.39.

##STR00044##

[0080] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, phosphorus trichloride (0.3 mL, 3.2 mmol) and triethylamine (2.7 mL) were added to 20 mL of toluene in a 110-mL glass jar. The solution was placed in the glove box freezer (35 C.) for 1 hour to chill. The 6-(3,5-di-methoxy-phenyl)-1H-indole (3e, 1.65 g, 6.5 mmol) was weighed into a 50-mL glass jar and dissolved in 10 ml of toluene. The PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution was removed from the freezer and the indole solution was added drop wise (by an additional funnel) with stirring to the cold PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution. A copious amount of white precipitate formed during the addition. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The next day, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The NMR spectrum showed formation of the desired mono-chlorophosphoramidite (d 102.64 ppm) as the major product. The crude mixture was filtered through a plug of Celite to remove the inorganic salts and the filtrate was further evaporated using glove box vacuum pump (keeping liquid nitrogen in the trap) to obtain the desired mono-chlorophosphoramidite as a yellowish powder (>90% yield). The compound was directly used on next step without further purification.

##STR00045##

[0081] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-bi-2-naphthol (5a, 0.44 g, 1.48 mmol) was dissolved in 5 mL of toluene and slowly added to the chilled solution of bis[6-(3,5-di-methoxyphenyl)-1H-indolyl]chlorophosphine (4e, 3 mmol in 5 mL toluene) in a 110 mL glass jar. Triethylamine (2.5 mL, 17 mmol) was added dropwise with stirring to the solution, resulting in immediate formation of a yellow precipitate. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature and slowly warmed up to rt overnight. The next morning, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered, and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy; full conversion to the product, bisphosphoramidite ( 109.00 ppm) with some cyclic phosphoramidite ( 129.16 ppm) was indicated. The reaction mixture was passed over Celite pad, washed with toluene and the filtrate was concentrated down to reddish oil. Silica gel purification was required to remove all of the attendant by-products. A 330 g gold silica gel column (50-100% dichloromethane in hexane) was utilized to purify the desired product with the rest of the side products, After column purification, 0.5 g of pure bisphosphoramidite product (Ligand L5) was obtained with 25% yield.

[0082] .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 7.52 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 7.29 (ddd, J=8.2, 4.6, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.08-7.06 (m, 1H), 7.03-6.94 (m, 1H), 6.81-6.74 (m, 2H), 6.54 (dd, J=10.4, 2.2 Hz, 4H), 6.50 (d, J=3.5 Hz, 1H), 6.41-6.40 (m, 2H), 6.38 (d, J=3.5 Hz, 1H), 3.76 (s, 6H), 3.75 (s, 6H), 2.57 (dt, J=16.4, 6.3 Hz, 1H), 2.39 (dt, J=16.4, 6.1 Hz, 1H), 2.26-1.99 (m, 2H), 1.65-1.19 (m, 4H). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 107.72 ppm.

Preparation Example 6: Ligand 6

##STR00046##

[0083] A 3-neck 250 mL round bottom flask was charged with 4 g (24.849 mmol) of 1H-indole-6-boronic acid (1a), 420 mg (0.497 mmol) of Precatalyst, and 160 mL of THF. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes at room temperature. After 5 minutes, 5.825 (27.334 mmol) of 1-bromo-4-tert-butylbenzene (2f) was added to the solution, followed by approximately 50 ml of an aqueous solution of potassium phosphate tribasic (16 g, 38 mmol) in 25 mL of H.sub.2O). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The next day, the reaction was monitored by LC-MS. Diethyl ether (80 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was further washed with 80 mL of diethyl ether (2). The organic layers were combined and dried over MgSO.sub.4. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield a brownish solid. The solid was purified by silica gel chromatography to yield 4.2 g (65% yield) of the product (3f). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 8.12 (s, 1H), 7.71 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.66-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.50 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 6.59 (s, 1H), 1.41 (s, 9H). .sup.13C NMR (101 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 149.53, 139.36, 136.38, 135.42, 127.02, 126.97, 125.63, 124.63, 120.80, 119.75, 109.32, 102.49, 34.47, 31.40.

##STR00047##

[0084] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, phosphorus trichloride (0.52 mL, 5.9 mmol) and triethylamine (4.9 mL) were added to 70 mL of toluene in a 110-mL glass jar. The solution was placed in the glove box freezer (35 C.) for 1 hour to chill. The 6-(4-tert-butyl-phenyl)-1H-indole (3f, 4.1 g, 11.87 mmol) was weighed into a 50 mL glass jar and dissolved in 10 mL of toluene. The PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution was removed from the freezer and the indole solution was added drop wise (by an additional funnel) with stirring to the cold PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution. A copious amount of white precipitate formed during the addition. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The next day, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The NMR spectrum showed formation of the desired mono-chlorophosphoramidite ( 100.99 ppm) as the major product. The crude mixture was filtered through a plug of Celite to remove the inorganic salts and the filtrate was further evaporated using glove box vacuum pump (keeping liquid nitrogen in the trap) to obtain the desired mono-chlorophosphoramidite as a brownish powder. The compound was directly used on next step without further purification.

##STR00048##

[0085] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-bi-2-naphthol (5a, 0.5 g, 1.7 mmol) and bis[6-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indolyl]chlorophosphine (1.3 g, 2.335 mmol) were weighed into a 110-mL glass jar and dissolved in 34 mL of toluene to create a reddish yellow solution and kept in the freezer for an hour (35 C.). Triethylamine (1.4 mL) was added drop wise with stirring to the solution, resulting in immediate formation of a white precipitate. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature and slowly warmed up to 50 C. overnight. The next morning, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered, and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. .sup.31P NMR shows full conversion to the desired bisphosphoramidite product with some cyclic phosphoramidite and triphosphoramidite products. The solid was purified by silica gel chromatography to yield 240 mg (11% yield) of the product (Ligand L6). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 7.70-7.45 (m, 6H), 7.44-7.32 (m, 8H), 7.10-6.99 (m, 2H), 6.77-6.68 (m, 2H), 6.48 (d, J=3.5 Hz, 1H), 6.41 (d, J=3.4 Hz, 1H), 2.55 (dt, J=16.7, 6.2 Hz, 1H), 2.42-2.31 (m, 1H), 2.29-2.16 (m, 1H), 2.07 (dt, J=17.5, 6.3 Hz, 1H), 1.34 (m, 22H). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 104.97 ppm.

Preparation Example 7: Ligand 7

##STR00049##

[0086] A 3-neck 250 mL round bottom flask was charged with 2 g (12.4 mmol) of 1H-indole-6-boronic acid (1a), 0.2 g (0.25 mmol) of Precatalyst, and 80 mL of THF. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes at room temperature. After 5 minutes, 2.5 g (13.7 mmol) of 4-bromoanisole (2g) was added to the solution, followed by approximately 50 mL of an aqueous solution of potassium phosphate tribasic (7.9 g, 38 mmol) in 25 mL of H.sub.2O). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The next day, the reaction was monitored by LC-MS. Diethyl ether (80 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was further washed with 80 mL of diethyl ether (2). The organic layers were combined and dried over MgSO.sub.4 and activated carbon. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield a brownish solid. The solid was purified by silica gel chromatography to yield 2.0 g (70%) of the product (3g). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 8.15 (s, 1H), 7.69 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.55-7.51 (m, 1H), 7.36 (dd, J=8.2, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.24-7.18 (m, 1H), 7.04-6.96 (m, 2H), 6.58 (ddd, J=3.2, 2.1, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H). .sup.13C NMR (101 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 158.69, 136.43, 135.26, 134.93, 128.32, 126.79, 124.54, 120.82, 119.57, 114.16, 109.04, 102.51, 55.35.

##STR00050##

[0087] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, phosphorus trichloride (0.3 mL, 3.2 mmol) and triethylamine (2.7 mL) were added to 20 mL of toluene in a 110 mL glass jar. The solution was placed in the glove box freezer (35 C.) for 1 hour to chill. The 6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-indole (3 g, 1.45 g, 6.5 mmol) was weighed into a 50 mL glass jar and dissolved in 10 mL of toluene. The PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution was removed from the freezer and the indole solution was added drop wise (by an additional funnel) with stirring to the cold PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution. A copious amount of white precipitate formed during the addition. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The next day, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The NMR spectrum showed formation of the desired mono-chlorophosphoramidite (d 103.29 ppm) as the major product. The crude mixture was filtered through a plug of Celite to remove the inorganic salts and the filtrate was further evaporated using glove box vacuum pump (keeping liquid nitrogen in the trap) leaving 3.1 g of the desired mono-chlorophosphoramidite as a yellowish powder (>90% yield). The compound was directly used on next step without further purification.

##STR00051##

[0088] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-bi-2-naphthol (5a, 0.4 g, 1.4 mmol) and bis[6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-indolyl]chlorophosphine (4 g, 1.5 g, 2.9 mmol) were weighed into a 110 mL glass jar and dissolved in 10 mL of toluene to create a reddish yellow solution and kept in the freezer for an hour (35 C.). Triethylamine (1.2 mL) was added dropwise with stirring to the solution, resulting in immediate formation of a white precipitate. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature and slowly warmed up to 50 C. overnight. The next morning, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered, and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy; full conversion to bisphosphoramidite product ( 104.37 ppm). Two step purification was required to remove all of the attendant by-products. In a first step, a 330 g gold silica gel column (5-20% dichloromethane in hexane) was utilized to purify the bis product with the rest of the side products. In a second step, a 160 g neutral alumina column was utilized to further purify the bisphosphoramidite product from the indole side product (5-20% dichloromethane in hexane). After column purification, 0.6 g of pure bisphosphoramidite product (Ligand L7) was obtained with 35% yield. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 7.62 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 4H), 7.52 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.39-7.26 (m, 12H), 7.19-7.13 (m, 2H), 7.06 (dt, J=3.2, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 6.85-6.74 (m, 10H), 6.71 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.48 (dd, J=3.4, 0.8 Hz, 2H), 6.42-6.36 (m, 2H), 3.78 (s, 6H), 3.77 (s, 6H), 2.55 (dt, J=16.7, 6.3 Hz, 2H), 2.35 (dt, J=16.6, 6.1 Hz, 2H), 2.22 (dt, J=17.8, 6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.08 (dt, J=17.5, 6.2 Hz, 2H), 1.60-1.40 (m, 4H), 1.34 (tq, J=8.7, 2.8 Hz, 4H). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 104.37 ppm.

Preparation Example 8: Ligand 8

##STR00052##

[0089] A three-neck 2 L round bottom flask was charged with one equivalent of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-phenylboronic acid (1b), 0.02 equivalent of Precatalyst, followed by addition of THF to make the final concentration approximately 0.3 M. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 minutes. After that, 1.1 equivalent of bromo-indole 2h was added to the solution, followed by a 1 M aqueous solution of potassium phosphate tribasic (3 equivalents of K.sub.3PO.sub.4). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The next morning, an aliquot was removed and analyzed by LC-MS. Once the reaction showed complete consumption of starting material, diethyl ether was added, and the mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was further washed with diethyl ether. The organic layers were combined and dried over anhydrous MgSO.sub.4. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield the crude product. Next, the material was dissolved in diethyl ether and treated with activated carbon for decolorization. The product was filtered through a Celite pad and concentrated before purifying through silica gel column chromatography (20% ethyl acetate in hexane) to isolate the pure material (3h, 69% yield). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 8.17 (s, 1H), 7.91-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.43 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.24 (t, J=2.8 Hz, 1H), 6.67-6.60 (m, 1H), 1.42 (s, 18H). .sup.13C NMR (101 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 150.87, 141.89, 135.18, 134.70, 128.33, 124.72, 122.29, 122.02, 120.49, 119.38, 111.04, 102.95, 34.96, 31.57.

##STR00053##

[0090] In a nitrogen purged glovebox, triethylamine (6 equivalents) was added in toluene to a 110 mL glass jar and placed inside the glove box refrigerator. PCl.sub.3 (1 equivalent) was added in toluene to a 110 mL glass jar and placed in the glove box refrigerator at the same time. After an hour, both the solutions were taken out of the refrigerator and the triethylamine solution was slowly added to the PCl.sub.3 solution. An additional amount of toluene was added to the flask to keep the final concentration at around 0.2 M (with respect to the PCl.sub.3). The substituted indole 3h (2 equivalents) was weighed into a 110 mL glass jar, dissolved in a minimum amount of toluene and slowly added to the cold PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution with vigorous stirring over a period of 15-30 min. A white precipitate started forming during the addition. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred for another 12 h. The reaction progress was monitored by .sup.31P NMR. The next day, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR to confirm formation of the desired bis(indolyl)chlorophosphine 4h as the major product. The crude reaction mixture was passed through a Celite pad to remove the inorganic salts, and the filtrate was transferred to a 220 mL glass jar and concentrated to approximately th of its original volume using the glove box vacuum pump (vacuum trap cooled with liquid nitrogen). The crude reaction mixture was sampled for .sup.31P NMR and

##STR00054##

[0091] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, a 110 mL glass jar was charged with a toluene solution of bis(indolyl)chlorophosphine 4h (2.5 equivalents) and was stored in the glove box freezer for an hour (35 C.). 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-bi-2-naphthol (5a, 1 equivalence) was dissolved in toluene in a vial and added slowly to the solution of bis(indolyl)chlorophosphine at 35 C. An additional amount of toluene was added to the glass jar to maintain the overall concentration of approximately 0.15-0.2M. Triethylamine (4 equivalents) was then added dropwise with stirring to the solution at 35 C. and slowly warm up to room temperature, resulting in immediate formation of a white precipitate; the reaction mixture later became cloudy and yellow. The mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for an hour, after which, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR. Once the reaction showed full conversion to the bisphosphoramidite product, the reaction mixture was removed from the glovebox and passed through a Celite pad to remove all the inorganic salts. The filtrate volatiles were removed on a rotary evaporator to leave a yellowish oil. This crude material was further purified by silica gel column chromatography (20% dichloromethane in hexane) to isolate the pure bisphosphoramidite ligand L8 (22% yield and 80% purity). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 7.78-7.73 (m, 3H), 7.56 (dd, J=5.7, 3.3 Hz, 1H), 7.51-7.40 (m, 6H), 7.39-7.28 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.04 (m, 2H), 6.91 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 6.80 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.61 (td, J=4.2, 3.4, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 6.57 (dd, J=3.4, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 2.78-2.51 (m, 2H), 2.40-2.08 (m, 2H), 1.72-1.52 (m, 3H), 1.40 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 37H). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 106.70 ppm.

Preparation Example 9: Ligand 9

##STR00055##

[0092] A three-neck 2 L round bottom flask was charged with one equivalent of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-phenylboronic acid (1b), 0.02 equivalent of Precatalyst, followed by addition of THF to make the final concentration approximately 0.3 M. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 minutes. After that, 1.1 equivalent of bromo-indole 2i was added to the solution, followed by a 1 M aqueous solution of potassium phosphate tribasic (3 equivalents of K.sub.3PO.sub.4). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The next morning, an aliquot was removed and analyzed by LC-MS. Once the reaction showed complete consumption of starting material, diethyl ether was added, and the mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was further washed with diethyl ether. The organic layers were combined and dried over anhydrous MgSO.sub.4. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield the crude product. Next, the material was dissolved in diethyl ether and treated with activated carbon for decolorization. The product was filtered through a Celite pad and concentrated before purifying through silica gel column chromatography (20% ethyl acetate in hexane) to isolate the pure material (3i, 73% yield). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 8.23 (s, 1H), 7.58 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 2H), 7.46 (t, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (dt, J=7.9, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.27-7.25 (m, 2H), 6.75 (ddd, J=3.2, 2.1, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 1.42 (s, 18H). .sup.13C NMR (101 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 150.66, 140.27, 136.26, 135.64, 126.27, 124.25, 123.24, 122.32, 120.87, 119.70, 109.90, 102.46, 34.97, 31.58.

##STR00056##

[0093] In a N.sub.2-purged glovebox, triethylamine (6 equivalents) was added in toluene to a 110 mL glass jar and placed inside the glove box refrigerator. PCl.sub.3 (1 equivalent) was added in toluene to a 110 mL glass jar and placed in the glove box refrigerator at the same time. After an hour, both the solutions were taken out of the refrigerator and the triethylamine solution was slowly added to the PCl.sub.3 solution. An additional amount of toluene was added to the flask to keep the final concentration at around 0.2 M (with respect to the PCl.sub.3). The substituted indole 3i (2 equivalents) was weighed into a 110 mL glass jar, dissolved in a minimum amount of toluene and slowly added to the cold PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution with vigorous stirring over a period of 15-30 min. A white precipitate started forming during the addition. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred for another 12 h. The reaction progress was monitored by .sup.31P NMR. The next day, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR to confirm formation of the desired bis(indolyl)chlorophosphine 4h as the major product. The crude reaction mixture was passed through a Celite pad to remove the inorganic salts, and the filtrate was transferred to a 220 mL glass jar and concentrated to approximately th of its original volume using the glove box vacuum pump (vacuum trap cooled with liquid nitrogen). The crude reaction mixture was sampled for .sup.31P NMR and used directly in the next step.

##STR00057##

[0094] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, a 110 mL glass jar was charged with a toluene solution of bis(indolyl)chlorophosphine 4i (2.5 equivalents) and was stored in the glove box freezer for an hour (35 C.). 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-bi-2-naphthol (5a, 1 equivalence) was dissolved in toluene in a vial and added slowly to the solution of bis(indolyl)chlorophosphine at 35 C. An additional amount of toluene was added to the glass jar to maintain the overall concentration of approximately 0.15-0.2M. Triethylamine (4 equivalents) was then added dropwise with stirring to the solution at 35 C. and slowly warm up to room temperature, resulting in immediate formation of a white precipitate; the reaction mixture later became cloudy and yellow. The mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for an hour, after which, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR. Once the reaction showed full conversion to the bisphosphoramidite product, the reaction mixture was removed from the glovebox and passed through a Celite pad to remove all the inorganic salts. The filtrate volatiles were removed on a rotary evaporator to leave a yellowish oil. This crude material was further purified by silica gel column chromatography (20% dichloromethane in hexane) to isolate the pure bisphosphoramidite ligand L9 (50% yield). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 7.54-7.43 (m, 8H), 7.29-7.23 (m, 2H), 7.20-7.16 (m, 3H), 7.16-7.08 (m, 1H), 6.90-6.79 (m, 2H), 6.72 (t, J=3.2 Hz, 2H), 2.70-2.63 (m, 1H), 2.58-2.51 (m, 1H), 2.40-2.31 (m, 1H), 2.21-2.14 (m, 1H), 1.71-1.49 (m, 3H), 1.42 (m, 37H). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 104.70 ppm.

Preparation Example 10: Ligand 10

##STR00058##

[0095] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, 4,4,5,5,6,6-hexamethyl-[1,1-biphenyl]-2,2-diol (5b, 1.0 g, 3.7 mmol) and bis[6-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indolyl]chlorophosphine (4c, 6.2 g, 8.13 mmol) were weighed into a 220 mL glass jar and dissolved in 75 mL of toluene to create a reddish yellow solution and kept in the freezer for an hour (35 C.). Triethylamine (1.6 mL, 11.1 mmol) was added dropwise with stirring to the solution, resulting in immediate formation of a white precipitate. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature and slowly warmed up to 50 C. overnight. The next morning, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered, and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR. Two step purification was required to remove all of the attendant by-products. In a first step, a 330 g gold silica gel column (5-20% dichloromethane in hexane) was utilized to purify the bis product with the rest of the side products. In a second step, a 160 g neutral alumina column was utilized to further purify the bisphosphoramidite product (5-20% dichloromethane in hexane). After column purification, 1.2 g of pure bisphosphoramidite ligand L10 was obtained with 28% yield. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 7.56 (dd, J=8.0, 2.8 Hz, 4H), 7.40-7.29 (m, 12H), 7.21 (dt, J=6.0, 1.3 Hz, 8H), 7.07 (dt, J=11.6, 2.9 Hz, 4H), 6.58 (s, 2H), 6.53-6.45 (m, 4H), 2.01 (s, 6H), 1.80 (s, 6H), 1.76 (s, 6H), 1.33 (dd, J=3.4, 1.1 Hz, 72H). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 109.41 ppm.

Preparation Example 11: Ligand 11

##STR00059##

[0096] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, 2,2,3,3-Tetrahydro-1,1-spirobi[indene]-7,7-diol (5c, 0.275 g, 1.2 mmol) was added to a chilled solution of bis[6-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indolyl]chlorophosphine (4c, 2.8 mmol) in toluene (10 mL) into a 110 mL glass jar. Triethylamine (0.7 mL, 4.8 mmol) was added dropwise with stirring to the solution, resulting in immediate formation of a white precipitate. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature and slowly warmed up to rt overnight. The next morning, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered, and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy; the reaction was very clean and only one major peak (105.28 ppm) with some minor products were observed. The glass jar was taken out from the glove-box and the reaction mixture was passed over a celite pad. The filtrate was concentrated down and loaded directly over to 330 g silica column using liquid injection. Silica gel column was required to remove all of the attendant by-products. A 330 g gold silica gel column (5-25% dichloromethane in hexane) was utilized to purify the bis product with the rest of the side products, After column purification, 0.95 g of pure bisphosphoramidite ligand L11 was obtained with 51% yield. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 7.56 (dd, J=10.6, 8.1 Hz, 4H), 7.47-7.40 (m, 4H), 7.40-7.31 (m, 8H), 7.24 (dd, J=8.8, 1.8 Hz, 8H), 6.99 (t, J=3.3 Hz, 2H), 6.84 (t, J=3.2 Hz, 2H), 6.76 (dd, J=8.1, 7.3 Hz, 2H), 6.68 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.62 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 6.53 (dd, J=3.4, 0.9 Hz, 2H), 6.47 (dd, J=3.4, 0.8 Hz, 2H), 2.78 (m, 2H), 2.43 (dd, J=16.0, 8.6 Hz, 2H), 2.08 (dd, J=12.6, 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.03-1.89 (m, 2H), 1.36 (s, 36H), 1.33 (s, 36H). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, Chloroform-d) 105.28 ppm.

Preparation Example 12: Ligand 12

##STR00060##

[0097] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, phosphorus trichloride (0.6 mL, 7.0 mmol) and triethylamine (3.0 mL) were added to 20 mL of toluene in a 110 mL glass jar. The solution was placed in the glove box freezer (35 C.) for 1 hour to chill. The 6,7-fused-1H-indole (31, 1.1 g, 7.0 mmol) was weighed into a 50 mL glass jar and dissolved in 15 mL of toluene. The PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution was removed from the freezer and the indole solution was added drop wise with stirring to the cold PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for another 3 h. After 3 h, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The NMR spectrum showed formation of the desired di-chloroindolylphosphine 4l ( 147.30 ppm) as the major product. The crude NMR was clean enough to move forward for the next step. The crude mixture was filtered through a plug of Celite to remove the inorganic salts and the filtrate was further concentrated using glove box vacuum pump (keeping liquid nitrogen in the trap) to 10 mL solution.

[0098] Then, the di-chloroindolylphosphine solution (4l) was kept in the in the glove box freezer (35 C.) for 1 hour to chill. The 1H-indole (0.82 g, 7.0 mmol) was weighed into a 50 mL glass jar and dissolved in 15 mL of toluene. The di-chloroindolylphosphine solution was removed from the freezer and 3.0 mL triethylamine was added to the solution. Afterwards, indole solution was added drop wise with stirring to the reaction solution. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for another 3 h. After 3 h, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The NMR spectrum showed formation of the desired mono-chloro-bisindolylphosphine 4l ( 101.76 ppm) as the major product. The crude NMR was clean enough to move forward for the next step. The crude mixture was filtered through a plug of Celite to remove the inorganic salts and the filtrate was further concentrated using glove box vacuum pump (keeping liquid nitrogen in the trap) to 10 mL solution.

##STR00061##

[0099] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-bi-2-naphthol (5a, 0.82 g, 2.8 mmol) was dissolved in 5 mL toluene into a 110 mL glass jar. A toluene solution of bis[indolyl]chlorophosphine 4l (7.0 mmol in 10 mL) was slowly added to the binol solution and reaction was kept in the freezer for an hour (35 C.). Triethylamine (2.3 mL) was added dropwise with stirring to the solution, resulting in immediate formation of a white precipitate. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. The next morning, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered, and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy; full conversion to bisphosphoramidite ( 101.68 ppm) with some minor products were observed. Silica gel column was required to remove all the attendant by-products. A 330 g gold silica gel column (20-50% dichloromethane in hexane) was utilized to purify the bis product with the rest of the side products. After column purification, 0.9 g of pure bisphosphoramidite product (Ligand L12) was obtained with 36% yield. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 7.51 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (td, J=7.5, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.07-6.99 (m, 3H), 6.89-6.78 (m, 2H), 6.68 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.50 (d, J=3.5 Hz, 1H), 6.43 (dd, J=3.5, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 3.20 (dt, J=14.5, 6.9 Hz, 1H), 3.01-2.83 (m, 3H), 2.72-2.51 (m, 2H), 2.33-2.21 (m, 1H), 2.20-2.09 (m, 1H), 2.07-1.99 (m, 2H), 1.75-1.41 (m, 4H). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, C.sub.6D.sub.6) 100.79 (s) ppm.

Preparation Example 13: Ligand 13

##STR00062##

[0100] A 3-neck 250 mL round bottom flask was charged with 2.0g of 3,5-Di-tert-butyl-boronic acid (1c), 145 mg of Precatalyst, and 25 mL of THF. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes at room temperature. After 5 minutes, 1.97 g of 3-methyl-6-bromo-indole (2m) in 5 ml THF solution was added to the reaction flask, followed by approximately 40 mL of an aqueous solution of potassium phosphate tribasic (5.3 g, 25 mmol) in 40 mL of H.sub.2O). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The next day, the reaction was monitored by LC-MS. Diethyl ether (40 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was further washed with 40 ml of diethyl ether (2). The organic layers were combined and dried over MgSO.sub.4. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield a brownish solid. The solid was purified by ISCO silica gel chromatography to yield 1.54g (55% yield) of the product. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 7.92 (s, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.47-7.36 (m, 2H), 7.00 (s, 1H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 1.42 (s, 18H). .sup.13C NMR (101 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 150.92, 141.82, 136.82, 136.78, 127.49, 122.05, 122.01, 120.73, 119.45, 118.87, 111.71, 109.72, 34.97, 31.57, 9.70.

##STR00063##

[0101] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, phosphorus trichloride (0.6 mL) and triethylamine (5.2 mL) were added to 40 mL of toluene in a 110 mL glass jar. The solution was placed in the glove box freezer (35 C.) for 1 hour to chill. The 6-(3,5-Di-tert-butyl)-3-methyl-1H-indole (3m, 4.0g) was weighed into a 40 mL vial and dissolved in 20 mL of toluene. The indole solution was also chilled in the glove box freezer for 1 hour. The two solutions were removed from the freezer and the cold indole solution was added drop wise (by an additional funnel) with stirring to the cold PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution. A copious amount of white precipitate formed during the addition. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stir overnight at 60 C.

[0102] The next day, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The NMR shows formation of the desired mono-chlorophosphoramidite ( 102.43 ppm) as the major product, however it also showed the bis-chloro product as the minor product ( 143.52 ppm). After 12 h, 0.2 equivalent of indole compound were slowly added to the reaction mixture and after an hour, reaction was further analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The reaction showed complete conversion to the desired mono-chlorophosphoramidite ( 102.43 ppm) as the major product with 4-5% bis-chloro product as the minor product ( 143.52 ppm). The crude mixture was filtered through a plug of Celite to remove the inorganic salts and the filtrate was further evaporated using glove box vacuum pump (keeping liquid nitrogen trap) and 4.4 g of the desired mono-chlorophosphoramidite (4m) was isolated as a yellowish powder (>90% yield).

##STR00064##

[0103] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-bi-2-naphthol (5a, 0.7 g) and bis[6-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-3-methyl-1H-indolyl]iodophosphine (4m, 3.8 g) were weighed into a 110-mL glass jar and dissolved in 46 mL of toluene to create a reddish yellow solution and kept in the freezer for an hour (35 C.). Triethylamine (2.0 mL) was added drop wise with stirring to the solution, resulting in immediate formation of a white precipitate. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature and slowly warmed up to 50 C. overnight. The next morning, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered, and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. .sup.31P NMR shows full conversion to product ( 107.89 ppm) with some mono-alcohol and cyclic phosphoramidite products. Two step purification was used to remove all the indole side products. In particular, a 1st column purified the bis product with the rest of the side products (silica gel column), and a 2nd column purified the bis product from the indole side product (alumina column). NMR shows pure product (Ligand L13, 1.2g) with 31% yield (>95% purity). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 7.56-7.45 (m, 4H), 7.41-7.34 (m, 4H), 7.33-7.21 (m, 4H), 6.88 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.84-6.75 (m, 2H), 6.60 (s, 1H), 2.68-2.51 (m, 1H), 2.43-2.38 (m, 1H), 2.28-2.17 (m, 4H), 2.13-2.04 (m, 4H), 1.50-1.29 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 40H). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, C.sub.6D.sub.6) 107.89 (s) ppm.

Preparation Example 14: Comparative Ligand 2

##STR00065##

[0104] Inside a water containing glovebox, a 110 mL Jar was charged with (tert-butyloxycarbonyl) boronic ester 1c (1.35 g, 3.94 mmol), Precatalyst (0.06 g, 0.07 mmol) and THF (25 mL). The reaction mixture was then stirred for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes 1-bromo-3,5-di-tert-butyl methylbenzene (2c, 1.00 g, 3.71 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture and an aqueous solution of potassium phosphate tribasic (2.36 g, 11.14 mmol in 20 ml of water) was added to the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was then allowed to stirred overnight at room temperature. The next day an aliquot was removed, worked up with diethyl ether and checked by mass spectroscopy. The reaction was complete, stopped and removed from the glovebox. Diethyl ether (50 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and then transferred a separatory funnel. The aqueous layer was then washed with equal parts of diethyl ether (2). The organic layers were then combined, dried over MgSO.sub.4 and filtered through a neutral alumina and activated charcoal plug. The filtrate was then concentrated down to afford 1.5 g, 99.5% as a brown solid. The compound (3j) was analyzed by NMR and was moved onto the deprotection step.

[0105] Inside a water containing glovebox, a 50 mL jar was charged with tert-butyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indole-1-carboxylate (3j, 1.50 g, 3.70 mmol), THF (30 mL) and a stir bar. 25 weight % sodium methoxide (2.4 g, 11.10 mmol) was added slowly to avoid a large exotherm. The reaction stirred at room temperature overnight. In the morning, water was added the reaction was removed from the glove box and water was added (30 mL). The mixture stirred for 15 minutes before being transferred to a separatory funnel. The product was extracted 3 with diethyl ether and the combined organic layers were dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated down. The crude material was then dissolved in dichloromethane and run through a silica gel plug. The filtrate was concentrated down to afford 0.88 g of pure product 3j. Yield: 77.5% .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 8.16 (s, 1H), 7.92 (ddq, J=7.8, 1.5, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (dd, J=1.9, 0.8 Hz, 2H), 7.44-7.40 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.29-7.16 (m, 2H), 1.40 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 18H). .sup.13C NMR (101 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 151.18, 136.80, 134.63, 126.17, 122.45, 122.20, 121.74, 120.41, 120.35, 120.08, 119.57, 111.50, 35.09, 31.72.

##STR00066##

[0106] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, phosphorus trichloride (0.19 g, 1.40 mmol) and triethylamine (0.57 g, 5.62 mmol) were added to 50 mL of toluene in a 110 mL glass jar. The solution was placed in the glove box freezer (35 C.) for 1 hour to chill. The indole 3j (0.86 g, 2.81 mmol g) was weighed into a 20 mL vial and dissolved in 10 mL of THF. The indole solution was also chilled in the glove box freezer for 1 hour. The two solutions were removed from the freezer and the cold indole solution was added drop wise with stirring to the cold PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution. A copious amount of white precipitate formed during the addition. The reaction mixture was stirred at 50 C. for 24 h. .sup.31P NMR was taken to monitor the reaction. Once the reaction is complete, it was filtered through Celite to remove triethylammonium chloride and the pale-yellow filtrate was pumped down to dryness. The resultant residue was taken up in hexanes, filtered and concentrated down to afford 0.72 g of crude 4j. The material was taken directly to the next step without any further purification. .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, C.sub.6D.sub.6) 100.0 (s) ppm.

##STR00067##

[0107] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, the 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-Octahydro-1,1-bi-2-naphthol (5a, 0.09 g, 0.29 mmol) and 1,1-(chlorophosphanediyl)bis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-1H-indole) (4j, 0.39 g, 0.58 mmol) were weighed into a 50 mL glass jar containing a Teflon-coated stir bar. Toluene (10 mL) was added to dissolve the mixture. Triethylamine (0.12 g, 1.16 mmol) in toluene (5 mL) was added to the solution dropwise with stirring. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. An aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered, and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The spectrum showed partial conversion to the desired product ( 104 ppm). Another 0.04 g of diol was added, the reaction stirred for another 24 h at room temperature. Once all the starting chloride was gone, the reaction mixture was filtered through Celite to remove triethylammonium chloride and the colorless filtrate was pumped down to dryness to yield a light brown solid. Alumina column was required to remove all the attendant by-products. A 24 g gold silica gel column was utilized to purify the bis product with the rest of the side products. After column purification, 0.1 g of pure bisphosphoramidite product (Ligand CL2) was obtained with 22% yield. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 7.78 (dd, J=14.6, 7.9 Hz, 5H), 7.58 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.55-7.46 (m, 2H), 7.41-7.38 (m, 14H), 7.24-7.11 (m, 5H), 7.08-7.0 (m, 4H), 6.67 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.54 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 2.48-2.22 (m, 6H), 2.19-1.98 (m, 5H), 1.51-1.19 (m, 77H). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, C.sub.6D.sub.6) 104.4 (s) ppm.

Preparation Example 15: Comparative Ligand 3

##STR00068##

[0108] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, a 110-mL jar was charged with 4.43 g (12.87 mmol) of 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl) indole-3-boronic acid pinacol ester (1c), 0.21 g (0.24 mmol) of Precatalyst, and 40 mL of THF. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes at room temperature. After 5 minutes, 1.65 mL (12.14 mmol) of 1-bromo-3,5-dimethylbenzene (2b) was added to the solution, followed by approximately 30 mL of an aqueous solution of potassium phosphate tribasic (7.75 g (36.51 mmol) in 30 mL of H.sub.2O). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The next day, the reaction was removed from the glove box. Diethyl ether (40 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was further washed with 40 mL of diethyl ether (2). The organic layers were combined and dried over MgSO.sub.4 and activated carbon. The ether solution was then filtered through a basic alumina plug and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield a white solid. Yield: 3.9 g of impure material; appears to be a mixture of desired compound (3k) and pinacol bromoborane. The crude material was used in the next step of the reaction without any further purification. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 8.20 (br d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H, indole-CH), 7.81 (d, J=0.5 Hz, 1H, indole-CH), 7.68 (s, 1H, para-arylCH), 7.37-7.31 (m, 1H, indole-CH), 7.30-7.26 (m, 1H, indole-CH), 7.26-7.24 (overlapping singlets, 2H, ortho-arylCH), 6.99 (s, indole-CH), 2.40-2.37 (overlapping singlets, 6H, aryl-CH.sub.3), 1.68 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.23 (s, 7H, pinacol-CH.sub.3) ppm.

[0109] In a fume hood, the crude material from the previous reaction (3.9 g) was loaded into a 3-neck round bottomed flask equipped with a nitrogen inlet, septa and a stir bar. The flask was placed under nitrogen and further loaded with 1.50 g (35.7 mmol) of sodium methoxide, 40 mL of THF, and 10 ml of methanol The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The next day, 50 mL of water was added slowly to the reaction mixture. The mixture was then transferred to a separatory funnel. The aqueous layer was extracted 3 with equal parts diethyl ether (approx. 50 mL). The organic layers were combined, dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The isolated material was a yellow/brown solid. Hexane was added to the product and the mixture was heated using a water bath until the solids dissolved. The hexane solution was allowed to cool to room temperature, during which time a solid precipitated. A white solid was isolated by filtration and washed with cold hexane. The product 3k was dried under vacuum to yield 1.52 g of material (6.87 mmol, 56.6% yield). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, CDCl.sub.3) 8.17 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.93 (ddd, J=7.9, 1.3, 0.7 Hz, 1H, indole-CH), 7.43-7.39 (m, 1H, aryl/indole-CH), 7.33 (d, J=2.5 Hz, aryl/indole-CH), 7.30-7.27 (m, 2H, ortho-arylCH), 7.26-7.15 (m, 2H, aryl/indole-CH), 6.96-6.91 (m, 1H, indole-CH), 2.38 (overlapping singlets, 6H, aryl-CH.sub.3) ppm.

##STR00069##

[0110] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, phosphorus trichloride (0.26 mL, 3.0 mmol) and triethylamine (2 mL, 14 mmol) were added to 60 mL of toluene in a 110-mL glass jar. The solution was placed in the glove box freezer (35 C.) for 1 hour to chill. The 3-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-1H-indole 3k (1.34 g, 6.04 mmol) was weighed into a 20-mL vial and dissolved in 10 ml of toluene. The indole solution was also chilled in the glove box freezer for 1 hour. The two solutions were removed from the freezer and the cold indole solution was added drop wise with stirring to the cold PCl.sub.3/NEt.sub.3 solution. A copious amount of white precipitate formed during the addition. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stir overnight. The next day, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite to remove triethylammonium chloride and the pale-yellow filtrate was pumped down to dryness. The resultant white residue was triturated with 40 mL of hexanes to leave a white solid. The solid was dried under vacuum for 1 hour. Yield: 1.19 g (2.35 mmol, 77.7%) Note: 87% purity by .sup.31P NMR. The material 4k was deemed sufficiently pure to move on to the next step of the reaction. .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHz, C.sub.6D.sub.6) 103.2 (s) ppm.

##STR00070##

[0111] In a N.sub.2-purged glove box, 5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8-octahydro-1,1-bi-2-naphthol (5a, 0.32 g, 1.1 mmol) and bis(3-(3,5-dimethylphenyl) indolyl)chlorophosphine (4k, 1.10 g, 2.17 mmol) were weighed into a 110-mL glass jar and dissolved in 60 mL of toluene to create a yellow solution. Triethylamine (1 mL, 7 mmol) was added drop wise with stirring to the solution, resulting in immediate formation of a white precipitate. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. The next morning, an aliquot of the reaction mixture was removed, filtered, and analyzed by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. The spectrum showed good conversion to the desired product CL3 (105 ppm) in approximately 82% purity. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite to remove triethylammonium chloride and the yellow filtrate was pumped down to dryness. The filtrate was loaded directly over to 330g silica column using liquid injection. Silica gel column was required to remove all of the attendant by-products. A 330 g gold silica gel column (5-25% dichloromethane in hexane) was utilized to purify the product (CL3) with the rest of the side products; Overall yield: 47.3%. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHZ, C.sub.6D.sub.6) 7.93 (dd, J=12.7, 7.9 Hz, 4H, ArH), 7.77 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H, ArH), 7.64 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H, ArH), 7.51 (s, 2H, ArH), 7.44 (s, 2H, ArH), 7.26-7.19 (m, 8H, ArH), 7.14-7.02 (m, 6H, ArH), 7.02-6.94 (m, 2H, ArH), 6.84 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H, ArH), 6.80 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 4H, ArH), 6.59 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H, ArH), 2.53 (dt, J=17.4, 5.7 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 2.40-2.19 (m, 6H, CH.sub.2), 2.18 (s, 12H, CH.sub.3), 2.14 (s, 12H, CH.sub.3), 1.44-1.28 (m, 8H, CH.sub.2). .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (162 MHZ, C.sub.6D.sub.6) 106.1 (s) ppm.

Examples 1-13 and Comparative Examples 1-3

[0112] In the following Examples 1-13 and Comparative Examples 1-3, reaction conversion, selectivity, and regioselectivity (N/I ratio) were measured by .sup.1H NMR in C.sub.6D.sub.6, product structures and composition were additionally supported by .sup.13C NMR in C.sub.6D.sub.6.

[0113] The reaction mixtures were analyzed by .sup.1H and .sup.13C NMR. Neat substrate hydroformylation involved either catalyst activation during the initial reaction period or catalyst pre-activation in toluene prior to hydroformylation, followed by the transfer of the activated catalyst to the particular substrate utilized. In addition to linear aldehydes (i.e., n-butanal) as the major products, hydroformylation generated branched aldehydes (i.e., isobutanal) as by-products, which were detected and analyzed by NMR.

[0114] Unless otherwise indicated, examples and comparative experiments are conducted in 90 mL flow-through Fisher Porter reactors immersed in an oil bath to establish a reactor temperature of 90 C. The reactors are further equipped with mass flow meters for accurate control of gas flows; reactor pressures are established and maintained by back-pressure regulators. Reactor off gases are analyzed by online GC to determine molar composition. Mixing in the flow-through reactor is affected by continuous gas flow via a sparger at the bottom of the reactor. This reactor design is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,472, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference. Reaction rates are expressed as moles of aldehyde produced per volume of catalyst solution per unit time (moles/L-hour); this value is additionally divided by the propylene partial pressure to help dampen the effects of small, unavoidable fluctuations in the propylene feed rate (rate/Olefin). Product selectivity is expressed as the ratio of linear (normal) aldehyde versus branched (iso) aldehyde (N:I).

General Hydroformylation Procedure

[0115] Examples 1-13 and Comparative Examples 1-3 follow a General Hydroformylation Procedure. In the General Hydroformylation Procedure, a reactor is charged with Solvent 2 (20 mL) and sparged with N.sub.2 overnight. Stock solutions of rhodium (final concentration 50 ppm Rh introduced as Rh(acac)(CO).sub.2 and a specific Ligand (type and equivalents as defined in Table 6 below) are then added, and the resulting solution is sparged with 1:1 syn gas for 3-4 hours to generate an active Rh(Ligand)dicarbonyl hydride catalyst species and to remove the toluene overhead. The hydroformylation reaction is then initiated at 50 psi CO, 50 psi H.sub.2, and 3-5 psi Olefin (total pressure is 165 psia; balance is comprised of N.sub.2). A summary of initial rates and regioselectivities (N:I) as determined during the first 3-4 days of operation is shown in Table 6.

[0116] Catalyst Stability: The general hydroformylation procedure is run continuously for about one week for each of Examples 1-13 and Comparative Examples 1-3 to determine catalyst stability. The rate/Olefin is plotted versus time; the slope of the resulting line provides a quantitative measure of deactivation. A slope of zero indicates no catalyst deactivation; the greater the negative slope, the faster the rate of deactivation, which is undesirable.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Examples 1-13 and Comparative Examples 1-3 Ligand:Rh Rate of Ligand ID molar Initial deactivation (External) equivalents rate/Olefin N:I (slope).sup.b L1 1.5:1 0.054 66 0.0026 L2 1.5:1 0.092 94 0.005 L3 1.5:1 0.075 90 0.0002 L4 1.5:1 0.0709 80 0.00007 L5 1.5:1 0.085 90 0.0019 L6 2:1 0.133 88 0.0054 L7 1.5:1 0.1112 90 0.0073 L8 1.5:1 0.07 65 0.0003 L9 1.5:1 0.11 79 0.0047 L10 1.5:1 0.085 65 0.002 L11 1.5:1 0.0124 63 0.0001 L12 1.5:1 0.06 20 0.0027 L13 2:1 0.0797 92 0.0012 CL1 1.5:1 0.0992 82 0.0087 CL2 1.5:1 0.17 40 0.027 CL3 3:1 0.21 58 0.021

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Abbreviations Abbreviation Definitions acac acetyl acetonate C. degrees Celsius FTIR Fourier transform infra-red g gram GPC gel permeation chromatography h hour kPa kiloPascals Me methyl Et ethyl mg milligram min minute mL milliliter mm millimeter Mmol millimole Mn number average molecular weight measured by GPC Mw weight average molecular weight measured by GPC mPa .Math. s milliPascal seconds NMR nuclear magnetic resonance PDI Polydispersity index (calculated as Mw/Mn) Ph phenyl psi pounds per square inch RPM revolutions per minute RT or rt room temperature of 25 5 C. THF tetrahydrofuran m micrometer Vi vinyl ppm parts per million by weight

Problems to be Addressed

[0117] The lack of a good catalyst system constitutes a significant challenge for the commercialization of a hydroformylation process for alkenes. Previously proposed processes suffer from one or more of the following drawbacks: slow reaction rate, low linear selectivity, high catalyst loading, and poor stability in continuous processes. Poor stability leads to deactivation in continuous processes, which then leads to low productivity; changing out the catalyst increases costs due to the high price of rhodium.

[0118] The present hydroformylation process provides one or more benefits over previously proposed processes; i.e., faster reaction rate, improved selectivity, improved stability, and lower catalyst loadings to achieve these.