Activation, Tuning, and Immobilization of Homogeneous Catalysts in an Ionic Liquid/Compressed CO2 Continuous-Flow System

Abstract

A new immobilization scheme for enantioselective catalysts was developed by using a combination of ionic liquids and compressed CO2. Under continuous flow conditions, stable conversion and asymmetric induction was achieved over more than 60 h in the enantioselective Ni-catalyzed hydrovinylation of styrene. While the ionic liquid dissolves and activates the organometallic catalyst in a tuneable manner, the presence of compressed CO2 greatly facilitates mass transfer and gives easy access to continuous processes (see the schematic representation).