Hydrocarboxylation of olefins by supported aqueous-phase catalysis

•Pd-TPPTS complexes have been supported on acidic macro-porous resins.•Supported aqueous-phase catalysis was performed by the resin-supported catalyst.•Hydrocarboxylation of 1-hexane and styrene derivatives was performed efficiently.•Water content had a significant influence on the catalytic performances.•Pd-TPPTS/resin catalyst proceeded in the heterogeneous way.

Pd-TPPTS complexes supported on acidic macro-porous resins (Pd-TPPTS/resin) have been employed for the hydrocarboxylation of 1-hexene and styrene derivatives by supported aqueous phase catalysis (SAPC). Acidic macroporous resins acted as substitutes for both heterogeneous acids and supports of Pd-TPPTS complexes afforded many advantages, such as easy separation from organic products and good reusability. The prepared Pd-TPPTS/resin catalysts were characterized by FT-IR, TG, SEM and N2 physisorption, which demonstrated that the Pd-TPPTS complexes were loaded on the resin. Compared with homogeneous analogue, the present SAP catalyst offered higher total acid yield and selectivity towards linear acid in the hydrocarboxylation of 1-hexene. Moreover, it was found that water had a significant influence on the catalytic activity and selectivity toward linear acid over the SAP catalyst. Optimum water/resin ratio at about 66.7% in the SAP catalyst afforded maximum activity under the given reaction temperature. The present SAP catalyst was highly Pd-leaching resistant and can be reused at least four times without obvious loss in activity.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (122 K)Download as PowerPoint slide