A new concept for generation of chelating ligand libraries for homogeneous metal complex catalysis based on self-assembly is presented. Thus, self-assembly of structurally simple monodentate ligands in order to give structurally more complex bidentate ligands is achieved employing hydrogen bonding. Based on this concept and on the 2-pyridone/hydroxypyridine tautomeric system, a new rhodium catalyst was identified which operated with excellent activity and regioselectivity upon hydroformylation of terminal alkenes. In order to generate defined unsymmetrical heterodimeric ligands, an A-T base pair analog-the aminopyridine/isoquinolone system-was developed which allows for complementary hydrogen bonding. Based on this platform, a 4 x 4 phosphine ligand library was screened in the course of the rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of 1-octene. A catalyst operating with outstanding activity and regioselectivity in favor of the linear aldehyde was discovered.
