Selectivity in Sulfonation of Triphenyl Phosphine

Abstract

The selectivity of triphenyl phosphine sulfonation using 34% SO3 to triphenyl phosphine trisulfonate (TPPTS) was studied. Several side products such as mono- and disulfonate, sulfonated phosphine oxide, and sulfonated phosphine sulfides were also observed. Reaction conditions were optimised to give 90% pure TPPTS. Agitation speed, mode of agitation and temperature have a strong influence on activity and selectivity of reaction. The TPPTS formed was tested for its activity in hydroformylation of ethylene and octene-1 in biphasic mode using [Rh(COD)Cl]2.