Hydroformylation of vinyl acetate using homogeneous HRh(CO)(PPh₃)₃ catalyst: a kinetic study

Abstract

The kinetics of hydroformylation of vinyl acetate using HRh(CO)(PPh₃)₃ catalyst has been investigated in the temperature range 50 - 70 °C. The effect of partial pressures of H₂ and CO, concentrations of vinyl acetate and HRh(CO)(PPh₃)₃ on the rate of hydroformylation was studied. It was observed that certain minima of concentration of HRh(CO)(PPh₃)₃ and H₂ partial pressure are necessary for the reaction to proceed. Beyond such critical concentrations, the rate was found to be first order with H₂ and catalyst. With increasing CO and vinyl acetate concentrations, the rates passed through maxima, indicating substrate inhibition at higher concentrations. The observed kinetics has been discussed on the basis of a reaction mechanism. Finally, several rate equations were examined to arrive at a satisfactory one. The activation energy was found to be 17.86 kcal mol^-1.