Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät

Institut für Organische Katalyseforschung

Fachgebiet: Homogene Katalyse

Betreuer: Prof. Dr. Armin Börner



Diplom-Chemiker Marcus Uhlemann
(e-mail: marcus.uhlemann@catalysis.de )

Investigations towards hydroformylation using syngas alternatives

The hydroformylation of olefins to form aldehydes is one of the most important homogeneously catalyzed reactions in chemical industry. The common protocol of this reaction is characterized by using a gas mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen (syngas). In order to establish a practical alternative without the problematic handling of carbon monoxide, various investigations towards the hydroformylation using syngas substitutes were performed. The focus was on testing the use of formaldehyde, which formally corresponds to one molecule of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Besides comparative investigations to determine the appropriate reaction conditions, the reaction has been optimized and transferred to an industrial scale. In this context, the addition of hydrogen by an external or internal hydrogen source resulted in a dramatic increase in the efficiency and consequently in a significant improvement in the economy of the process.