Zeolite-Encapsulated Rhodium Catalysts ‐ The Best of Both Worlds?

The syntheses and catalytic behaviour of rhodium catalysts encapsulated in zeolites are reported. Several parameters are investigated in this catalyst system, including the auxiliary ligands and the zeolite supports used. It is demonstrated that the zeolite support can be crucial in determining the types of products formed from catalytic hydroformylation reactions. The results are rationalised in terms of fundamental principles of organometallic chemistry. This enhances the understanding of these catalyst systems at a molecular level and demonstrates that a synergy exists between the development of new, efficient catalyst systems and understanding chemistry at a fundamental level.