Integrating olefin hydroformylation and alternative syngas sources via dual catalysis

• Grant number: 24/18485-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: February 24, 2025
• End date: February 23, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Daniela Zanchet
• Grantee: Davi dos Santos Leite
• Supervisor: Troels Skrydstrup
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Aarhus University, Denmark
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/11173-2 - Pincer organometallic complexes in heterogeneous catalysis for organic synthesis and CO2 conversion, BP.DR

Abstract

Hydroformylation-based processes account for the production of over ten million metric tons of oxo products annually, used as solvents, fragrances, and synthetic intermediates, making it one of the most significant applications of homogeneous catalysis in the chemical industry. However, directly using carbon monoxide (CO) - a highly flammable, toxic, colorless, and odorless gas - presents substantial safety risks. Consequently, the search for less hazardous alternatives has garnered increasing attention in recent years. This project focuses on utilizing CO¿ and methanol as CO surrogates, combining homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, either through in situ CO¿ hydrogenation to formic acid or ex situ Ru-catalyzed methanol dehydrogenation, in combination with Rh-catalyzed hydroformylation, greener alternatives in the context of CO2 conversion and methanol economy. Particular emphasis will be placed on applying two ligand families: pyridine-based PNP pincers and cyclo alkyl amino carbenes (CAACs), underexplored for this reaction.