Cobalt-catalyzed biphasic hydroformylation of internal short chain olefins

Hydroformylation of short chain internal olefins to linear aldehydes is an interesting subject due to the enormous importance of the resulting oxo pro ducts. Here we report a systematic study of the hydroformylation of 2-pente nes in an aqueous two-phase system with a Co/TPPTS catalyst. At elevated, t emperatures and pressures good yields of the desired aldehydes were obtaine d. Linear to branched ratios (n/iso) of up to 70:30 were observed. Recyclin g of the catalyst and reuse up to four times without loss of activity has b een demonstrated. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.