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 products. Here we report a systematic study of the hydroformylation of 2-pentenes in an aqueous two-phase system with a Co/TPPTS catalyst. At elevated, temperatures and pressures good yields of the desired aldehydes were obtained. Linear to branched ratios (n/iso) of up to 70:30 were observed. Recycling of the catalyst and reuse up to four times without loss of activity has been demonstrated. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.