Maximization of regioselectivity in hydroformylation of vinyl-aromatics using simple factorial design

A simple 2k factorial design has shown that a very significant increase in the regioselectivity of vinyl-aromatics (typically from 70% to more than 98%) can be obtained by the exclusive manipulation of two variables, pressure and temperature. It is also shown that optimised values can be obtained from within a range of possible values. The role of the ligand in the overall response of the system is also discussed and analysed.