(20a) Dow LP Oxo SM Variable Selectivity Technology - Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts

Hydroformylation – the conversion of C3 and higher olefins to a mixture of linear and branched aldehydes- is a widely practiced application of homogeneous transition metal catalysis. While the linear product is typically preferred, shifts in market demands or product portfolios may at times favor the branched isomer; thus the ability to alter the product ratio constitutes an operational advantage. Dow LP Oxo ^SM Variable Selectivity Technology (VST) featuring a rhodium catalyst promoted by tandem ligands, may be used to produce aldehyde mixtures comprising a broad range of isomer ratios. The relative propensities of the two ligands for forming rhodium complexes and the varying kinetics of the resulting active species allows impressive control of product regioselectivity through a number of process variables. The underlying principles and associated examples of VST will be discussed.

LP Oxo is a service mark of The Dow Chemical Company ('Dow') or an affiliate of Dow.