Reductive-hydroformylation of 1-octene to nonanol using fibrous Co3O4 catalyst

Abstract

This work reports, reductive-hydroformylation of 1-octene to nonanol in the presence of fine fibrous cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nano-catalyst prepared via urea reduction method under phosphine-free and additive free condition. Co3O4 nano-catalyst was prepared by the wet chemical method and was characterized using various instrumental techniques like FEG-SEM, EDS, XRD, TPR and FTIR. The effects of various reaction parameters such as temperature, synthesis gas (CO/H2) pressure/ratio, catalyst loading, solvent and time were studied. The reaction was successfully achieved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) as the solvent medium. This reaction believed to takes place through the generation of HCox(CO)y active catalyst species. The Co3O4 nano-catalyst could be recycled up to three consecutive cycles.