Catalytic carbon-carbon coupling reaction in biphasic liquid-liquid systems: Mechanistic aspects in vitamin E precursor synthesis

We describe the carbon-carbon coupling of myrcene with methyl acetoacetate in biphasic liquid-liquid systems using neutral and cationic TPPTS- or TPPMS-rhodium complexes. Mechanistic studies based on labelling experiments and the nature of the catalytic precursor were investigated, The influence of chlorine concentration and the major role of the solvent have also been examined. We have shown that TPPMS can advantageously replace TPPTS in industrial process.