Hydrocarboxylation of isoprene catalyzed by iodo-carbonylrhodium derivatives. Spectroscopic evidence for participation of H+ ··· Rh(CO)2I2− tight ion pairs and cis-Rh(CO)2(H2O)I in catalysis
Hydrocarboxylation of isoprene catalyzed by iodocarbonylrhodium derivatives is described. Either 4-methyl-3-pentenoic (pyroterebic) acid or its lactone derivative (γ,γ-dimethyl-γ-butyrolactone) can be selectively produced in high yield depending on the experimental conditions. Spectroscopic evidence indicates the possible participation of H+ ··· Rh(CO)2I2− tight ion pairs and/or cis-Rh(CO)2(H2O)I in