Micellar effect in high olefin hydroformylation catalyzed by water-solublerhodium complex

1-Dodecene hydroformylation catalyzed by water-soluble rhodium complex, RhC 1(CO)(TPPTS)(2) [TPPTS: P(m-C6H4SO3Na)(3)], in the presence of surfactants and alcoholic solvents was studied. The results indicated that the hydrofor mylation in biphasic catalytic system occurred in the interface of aqueous/ organic phases. The formation of micelle was not only favorable for the rea ction acceleration, but also favorable for the increase of linear aldehyde ratio in products. The key factor of the enhancement of reaction rate was t he richness of rhodium catalyst in the interlayer with the static electrici ty attraction between active rhodium anion species and cationic end of surf actant. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.