A new biogenerated Rh-based catalyst for aqueous biphasic hydroformylation

• Rh-EPS was prepared by Klebsiella oxytoca DSM 29614 fermentation in the presence of RhCl3.
• Rh-EPS catalyzed the aqueous biphasic hydroformylation of some olefins, chosen as model substrates, affording fine-good results.
• Rh-EPS, even if not soluble in water, was active only in the presence of water.
• Rh-EPS was easily recovered and reused in recycling experiments.

A new bio-generated rhodium based system embedded in a peculiar polysaccharide matrix (Rh-EPS), was obtained and purified from cultures of bacterial cells of Klebsiella oxytoca DSM 29614. The product was analyzed with different techniques to obtain information on its structure–property correlation. In order to determine its catalytic activity and selectivity in the aqueous biphasic hydroformylation some olefins were chosen as model substrates, obtaining fine-good results.

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