Free-of-loss catalyst recycling in the hydroformylation of higher molecular olefins by a novel process technology

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/prac.19973390127

In this paper a novel homogenous-heterogeneous procedure for the hydroformylation reaction of higher molecular olefins is presented, at which the reaction itself is homogeneously catalyzed and only after the reaction the catalyst complex is heterogenized only for separation. This procedure is achieved by using the lithium salt of triphenylphosphine monosulfonic acid (Li-TPPMS) as complex ligand for the hydroformylation catalyst and methanol as solubilizer. Li-TPPMS and its complexes with metal carbonyls are highly soluble in water and methanol, but completely insoluble in almost all other organic solvents. After the reaction the methanol is distilled off. The catalyst system becomes insoluble and can be separated from the reaction product by filtration or by extraction with water. The aqueous catalyst solution is evaporated to dryness and the catalyst system dissolved in methanol for a new reaction. Johann Ambrosius Barth 1997.