Two-phase hydroformylation of higher molecular olefins by ethoxylated tris(p-hydroxyphenyl)-phosphine as complex ligand for the rhodiumcarbonyl catalyst

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/prac.19963380125

Water-soluble rhodiumcarbonyl complexes with new nonionic complex ligands prepared by ethoxylation of tris(p-hydroxyphenyl)phosphine were successfully used in the two-phase hydroformylation of higher-molecular olefins. Their efficiency depends likely on a temperature controlled circulation of the catalyst complex between the organic and the water phase: At the temperature of the hydroformylation (100-130°C) the ethoxylated tri-(p-hydroxyphenyl)phosphine becomes water-insoluble (appearance of a miscibility gap) and is now available for the catalysis in the organic phase. After cooling to room temperature the catalyst system is dissolved again in the water phase and can be recovered by a simple phase separation. Johann Ambrosius Barth 1996.