Thermoregulated phase transfer ligand and its catalysis: IV. Study of styrene biphase hydroformylation catalyzed by ethoxylated tri-(-p-hydroxyphenyl-)-phosphine rhodium complex

Nonionic water-soluble phosphine rhodium complex was prepared in situ by the reaction of P-(-OCH₂CH₂)OH]₃ (TPPP) with RhCl₃ · 3H₂O. The catalytic activity and selectivity of TPPP/RhCl₃ · 3H₂O for styrene hydroformylation are studied in biphase catalytic system. In addition, effect of reaction temperature, pressure, organic solvent and V (water) /V (styrene) was investigated. The results showed that the reaction took place mainly in the organic phase at higher temperature (90°C). Under the condition of 90°C and 6. 0 MPa the reaction was carried out in toluene for 3. 5 h, the conversion of styrene is 98. 0% , aldehyde yield is 94. 4%, iso I normal molar ratio of aldehyde is 1. 4.