Hydroformylation studies using high pressure NMR spectroscopy

Abstract

High pressure nuclear magnetic resonance (HP-NMR) spectroscopy has become a useful tool for homogeneous catalysis research, both in industry and academia. It is a “window” on catalysis at variable temperatures and elevated pressures, and allows the researcher unprecented access to information on catalyst behaviour under process conditions. HP-NMR studies carried out on modified cobalt hydroformylation catalysts are presented from an industrial perspective. The ligands of interest are bridged bicyclic phosphines derived from phobane and ( R)-(+)-limonene. Integration of HP-NMR with HP-IR, molecular modelling and bench experiments is also discussed.