Aqueous-Phase Hydroformylation of 1-Octene: Styrene Latices as Phase-Transfer Agents†
Prof. Dr. A. van Herk (TU/e) is gratefully acknowledged for helpful discussions. We thank A. J. P. M. Staring for technical assistance and Umicore for a generous gift of [Rh(acac)(CO)2]. The Dutch National Research School Combination Catalysis (NRSCC) is gratefully acknowledged for financial support.
Graphical Abstract
An elegant method for the aqueous-phase hydroformylation of 1-octene with a water-soluble Rh catalyst and amphiphilic latex particles as phase-transfer agents has been developed (see scheme). In this way, substantial concentrations of the olefin in the aqueous catalyst-containing phase were reached, and thus reasonable turnover frequencies under mild reaction conditions could be achieved.