Method for the catalytic hydroformylation of olefins in a microemulsion

US6452055B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Sasol Germany GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Herbert Koch · Dorsten, DE
• Reinhard SCHOMAECKER · Berlin, DE
• Marco Haumann · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 5, 2001
• Grant date: Sep 17, 2002
• Expiry date: Jan 5, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C45/50
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This invention relates to a process for the catalytic hydroformylation of olefins by reaction of an olefin with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a liquid, aqueous-organic reaction medium in the presence of a water-soluble hydroformylation catalyst, characterized in that for a substantial period of the hydroformylation reaction, the aqueous-organic medium is present in the form of a microemulsion, which is made up of an oil phase containing the olefin or the olefin and its hydroformylation products, an aqueous phase containing the water-soluble complex catalyst, and a nonionic surfactant.