Comparison of phase transfer agents in the aqueous biphasic hydroformylation of higher alkenes

Abstract

The Rh-catalyzed aqueous biphasic hydroformylation with the bidentate ligand SulfoXantPhos was investigated for different phase transfer agents (PTA). As such, polymer latices and microemulsions formed by non-ionic surfactants were used. In general, a higher PTA concentration enhances the reaction progress. The feasibility of catalyst recycling by simple phase separation is shown in principle. The Rh losses are low in the surfactant system and promising for a technical approach.