Enhancing hydroformylation activity and stability of Rh-based catalysts through Ni and P incorporation

This study presents a novel Rh 7 Ni 1 P 4 /SiO 2 catalyst that significantly improves the hydroformylation of olefins, achieving a turnover frequency of 3433h −1 . By incorporating nickel (Ni) and phosphorus (P) into rhodium (Rh), the electronic structure of Rh was effectively modified, enhancing olefin adsorption and reducing CO binding energy. This dual modulation boosts catalytic performance by shifting the rate-determining step from CO insertion to acyl hydrogenation, thereby accelerating the reaction rate. Experimental results, supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, reveal that the Rh 7 Ni 1 P 4 /SiO 2 catalyst reduces Rh-CO interactions, minimizes rhodium leaching, and exhibits excellent stability over multiple cycles. This research advances the design of robust and efficient catalysts for industrial hydroformylation processes.