One-pot hydroformylation/O-acylation of propenylbenzenes for the synthesis of polyfunctionalized fragrances

A process involving the hydroformylation/O-acylation of propenylbenzenes with a phenolic group is described for eugenol, isoeugenol, chavicol, propenyl guaethol, 2-allylphenol, and 2-allyl-6-methylphenol. The reactions occur in parallel, under the same reaction conditions in anisole, a solvent with an impressive sustainability rank comparable to those of ethanol and water. The products contain formyl and acetoxy moieties, both established olfactory groups in flavor and fragrance industry, and present potential as new fragrance components with less allergenic properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a one-pot process involving hydroformylation combined with further functionalization in a remote site is described.