Hydroformylation, hydroaminomethylation and related tandem reactions of bio-derived renewable olefins: a step closer to sustainability

The rapidly growing population and increased energy consumption are leading to the depletion of non-renewable sources, thus posing a great threat of resource unavailability to future generations. This problem can be tackled using sustainable and renewable sources and by practicing the principles of green chemistry. Hydroformylation, which has applications in various industries, is a highly commercialised, transition metal-catalysed process that is used to produce tonnes of chemicals globally. In this process, the employment of bio-renewable starting materials is a great step toward sustainability. This review highlights the hydroformylation, hydroaminomethylation, and associated tandem reactions of natural olefins, such as terpenes, allyl/propenyl benzene derivatives, oleo-compounds, and steroids. This review intends to provide a clear picture of the research reported to date, encouraging further research and advancement of sustainable practices, environmental friendliness, and application of green chemistry principles in this field.