(255d) Intensification of Catalytic Reactions with Neoteric Solvent Media

This talk will address the various unique ways in which solvent media such as supercritical fluids and gas-expanded liquids (GXLs) can be exploited to develop greener catalytic process concepts for O₂ and H₂O₂-based oxidations, hydroformylations and ozonolysis. The demonstrated advantages include process intensification at mild conditions by increasing dissolution of the limiting reagent (gaseous reactants such as O₂ or syngas or light olefins) in the GXL reaction phase;enhancing inherent safety by suppression of flammable vapors; and waste mitigation by reduced usage of organic solvents and by suppression of side reactions that generate undesired byproducts such as CO₂.  Specific examples of novel process concepts to be discussed include the highly selective hydroformylation of higher olefins at mild conditions; a novel homogeneous ethylene oxide process virtually eliminating CO₂ formation as a byproduct; and a one-step spray reactor concept to produce polymer-grade terephthalic acid from p-xylene at high yields and purity.