Frank E. Paulik

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN HYDROFORMYLATION CATALYSIS

Abstract Interest in the catalytic hydroformylation, or so-called oxonation, of olefins to aldehydes and alcohols has increased steadily since the first commercial production of 0x0 alcohols from olefins, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen in 1948. The area has been the subject of frequent review.

Catalytic vapor phase hydroformylation of propylene over supported rhodium complexes

Abstract Recently, it has been shown that transition metal compounds such as phosphine and arsine complexes of rhodium promote hydroformylation catalysis homogenously in the liquid phase. In the present investigation, these organometallic complexes were impregnated on carbon and alumina supports and employed as solid phase catalysts for the heterogeneous vapor phase hydroformylation of propylene to butyraldehyde. Both the supported phosphine and arsine complexes exhibited good activity (30% conversion of propylene to butyraldehyde), with the phosphine complex also displaying good long-term stability as a heterogeneous catalyst. These results demonstrate that organometallic complexes can be employed as catalysts either homogeneously or heterogeneously and may, in either case, exhibit similar catalytic properties.

Automatic Constant‐Pressure Apparatus for Measuring the Absorption or Evolution of Gases

An improved apparatus for automatic measuring and recording of the absorption or evolution of gases at constant pressure has been constructed. The instrument is applicable to kinetic studies over a wide range of operating conditions including (a) pressures up to 20 atm, (b) temperatures up to 120°C, and (c) rates of reaction as fast as 5 ml min−1. A differential‐pressure transducer is used and makes the instrument sensitive to pressure changes as small as 0.020 mm Hg. The mechanical and electronic components of the system are described. The apparatus has been evaluated by measurements of the rate of oxygen uptake by Vaskas complex, IrCl(CO) (PPh3)2.