Chemie Ingenieur Technik, Vol.89, No.4, 459-463, 2017
Microemulsion Systems as Switchable Reaction Media for the Catalytic Upgrading of Long-Chain Alkenes
The application of microemulsion systems as switchable reaction media for the rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of 1-dodecene is herein reported. The influence of temperature and the selected surfactant on the reaction kinetics was investigated. In addition, the feasibility of a process concept for these reaction systems was tested within 100hours continuous mini-plant operation, showing similar product yield and reaction selectivity as on the lab-scale. Alongside, a stable steady state operation was achieved, showing an efficient phase separation and recycling of surfactant and catalyst.