Rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of formaldehyde
1983; Science Press; Volume: 19; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0304-5102(83)80009-1
ISSN1873-3131
AutoresA.S.C. Chan, W. Eamon Carroll, Donald E. Willis,
Tópico(s)Carbon dioxide utilization in catalysis
ResumoA rhodium-catalyzed formaldehyde hydroformylation as a critical step in the synthesis of ethylene glycol from syngas has been studied. Rhodiumphosphine complexes have been found to be efficient catalyst precursors for this reaction. The catalyst was stabilized by an excess of free phosphine ligands, but this significantly lowered the catalyst activity in the absence of a promoter. A small amount of a variety of amines was found to significantly increase the catalyst activity, even in the presence of excess of phosphine ligands. A major side reaction in this system was found to be the condensation of glycolaldehyde to higher boiling by-products. This problem becomes more severe under more basic conditions. The effects of the phosphine/Rh ratios and the concentrations of amine promoters on the catalyst activity and selectivity are described. Possible mechanisms and their implications are also discussed.
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