A Rh/SBA-15 catalyst achieved remarkable performance for hydroformylation of formaldehyde

Rh complexes are considered as the most promising catalysts for formaldehyde hydroformylation since they can achieve higher yields of glycolaldehyde under mild conditions. Although heterogeneous catalysts are convenient to separate, Rh-based heterogeneous catalysts usually have limited catalytic activity in hydroformylation of formaldehyde. Here, four different supports (Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 , SBA-15 and HMS), loaded with Rh by impregnation method, have been developed for formaldehyde hydroformylation. The physico-chemical properties of the materials have been investigated by means of complementary techniques. Due to the presence of more oxidized rhodium species and stronger metal support interactions, the silica-based catalysts achieved higher formaldehyde conversion and glycolaldehyde selectivity than Rh/Al 2 O 3 . Moreover, SBA-15 and HMS zeolites were synthesized by adjusting the structure of the silica support. Thus, the selectivity of 94.8% for glycolaldehyde and a remarkable glycolaldehyde yield of 52.7% over Rh/SBA-15 catalyst was obtained due to its larger surface area, suitable pore structures and higher dispersion of Rh species.