The implementation of the hydroformylation reaction for the conversion of long-chain alkenes into aldehydes still remains challenging on an industrial scale. One possible approach to overcoming this challenge is to apply tunable systems employing surfactants. Therefore, a novel process concept for the hydroformylation of long-chain alkenes to aldehydes in microemulsions is being investigated and developed at Technische Universität Berlin, Germany. To test the applicability of this concept for the hydroformylation in microemulsions on a larger scale, a miniplant has been constructed and operated. This contribution presents the proof of concept for hydroformylation in microemulsions carried out during a 200 h miniplant operation. Throughout the operation a stable aldehyde yield of 21% and a catalyst loss in the product phase below 0.1 ppm were achieved, which confirms previous lab scale findings. Additionally, solution strategies for a stable continuous operation to overcome challenges such as foaming, phase separation issues, and coalescence dynamics are discussed herein.

The application of microemulsion systems as switchable reaction media for the rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of 1dodecene is being reported. The influence of temperature, phase behavior, and the selected nonionic surfactant on the reaction has been investigated. The results revealed that the structure and the hydrophilicity (degree of ethoxylation) of the applied surfactant can have a strong impact on the performance of the catalytic reaction in microemulsion systems, in particular on the reaction rate. The surfactant determines the boundary conditions for catalysis (interfacial area, local concentrations) and can also interact with the catalyst at the oil−water interface and hinder the reaction. In addition to the discussion of the experimental results, we present a proposal for the impact of surfactantbased reaction media on the reaction mechanism of the catalyst reaction.

No abstract

The handling of multiphase systems applied in mixer–settler processes, in which phase separation characteristics are exploited, is to date still a challenge for the chemical industry. Approaches for analyzing the influencing parameters on these systems can be of use, especially regarding equipment design and technical applicability. In this contribution, a guideline is presented and applied in a case study for a surfactant-containing multiphase system implemented in a hydroformylation mini-plant. Herein, the most relevant investigated parameters such as temperature, concentrations of reactants, system pressure, and stirrer characteristics are analyzed. This is followed by an analysis of various internal fittings including their influence on the temperature profile within the settler. The results of the systematic analysis are used to design a highly flexible, modular, and efficient settler for the separation of up to three liquid phases.

No abstract