(306f) Highly Active and Recyclable Hydroformylation Catalysis Using Phase Controlled Polymer Supports in Co2-Expanded Liquids (Cxls)

Conventional processes for the hydroformylation of higher olefins are hampered by the solubility of syngas, or H₂/CO in the liquid substrates and the tedious catalyst recovery steps that require the use of acid and alkali.[i] Recent studies in our laboratories showed that the TOF, n/i ratio and aldehydes selectivity in optimized CXLs are superior to those in other media and catalysts, due primarily to to higher H₂ solubility in CXLs at milder pressures (tens of bars). .[ii] Economic and environmental analyses indicate that near-quantitative recovery of the Rh-based catalysts is essential for commercial viability.[iii] Toward to his end, polymer supported Rh catalysts for hydroformylation of higher (> C₄) alkenes have been developed. Recent results on the activity, selectivity, recylability and durability of polymer supported rhodium catalyzed 1-octene hydroformylation in CXLs will be presented.