Catalytic Activity of the Water-soluble Organometallic Complex [Rh(μ-Pz)(CO)(TPPTS)]2 in the Hydroformylation of Short-chain Olefins in a Venezuelan Refinery's Naphtha Cut

摘要

The amount of olefins present in naphtha is higher than required for gasoline formulation and might produce a very viscous polymer or solids capable of blocking the carburetors and injectors of the vehicle. Currently, this excess of olefins is lowered by a hydrogenation-over-solids catalyst that is costly and results in a marked decrease in the octane rating of the fuel, which must be corrected by the addition of oxygenated products. A very interesting alternative, which takes advantage of the chemical potential of the olefins, is to hydroformylate them to directly obtain functionalised, oxygenated products.