Gas phase hydroformylation of propylene with porous resin anchored rhodium complexes part I. Methods of catalyst preparation and characterization

Abstract

Hydridocarbonyltris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) anchored to the surface of macroreticular polystyrene—divinylbenzene is applied in the heterogeneous hydroformylation of propylene at 90 °C and 0.1 MPa total pressure. The performance of the catalyst depends on the method of preparation. We finally succeeded in preparing highly stable, active and selective catalysts. The methods of functionalization of the support with phosphine and phosphite ligands by means of chloromethylation and chlorophosphonation are studied and correlated with the performance of the catalyst. The method of coupling of the rhodium complex to the functionalized support influences the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. Laser Raman spectroscopy showed the presence of a high content of unpolymerized vinyl groups. Functionalization of the resin lowers the amount of vinyl groups substantially, which is supported by the results of a specific reaction with iodine chloride. The texture of the catalyst was studied by physical adsorption and capillary condensation of nitrogen and is discussed in relation to the preparation of the catalyst.