Isomerization/hydroformylation tandem reaction of a decene isomeric mixture with subsequent catalyst recycling in thermomorphic solvent systems

Abstract

Herein we report about an efficient isomerization/hydroformylation tandem reaction to convert a technical mixture of decene isomers selectively into the linear undecanal in a thermomorphic solvent system. By applying a rhodium/BIPHEPHOS catalyst a high turnover frequency of 375h−1 and high regioselectivity of 92% for the linear product are achieved. Yields up to 70% of the linear aldehyde are obtained. The catalyst can be successfully separated from the product using a thermomorphic solvent system consisting of dimethyl formamide (catalyst phase) and dodecane (product phase). The leaching of the rhodium (0.6% of the initial amount) and phosphorus (1.2% of the initial amount) is very low. The catalyst was successfully recycled five times.