Hydroformylation - Catalysts

Catalysts

The original catalyst was HCo(CO)₄, discovered by Otto Roelen. Subsequent work demonstrated that the ligand tributylphosphine (PBu₃) improved the selectivity of the cobalt-catalysed process. Since the 1970s, most hydroformylation relies on catalysts based on rhodium. Subsequent research led to the development of water-soluble catalysts that facilitate the separation of the products from the catalyst.