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.
[i]. Frohning, C. D. et al., Hydroformylation, in “Applied Homogeneous Catalysis with Organometallic Compounds”, Cornils, B., Herrmann, W.A. (Eds.), Wiley-VCH, vol. 1, 31 (2002)