To produce normal and iso-butyraldehyde from propylene and synthesis gas (CO + H2) using the LP Oxo SELECTOR Technology, utilizing a low-pressure, rhodium-catalyzed oxo process.
The process reacts propylene with a 1:1 syngas at low pressure (< 20/kg/cm2g) in the presence of a rhodium catalyst complexed with a ligand (1). Depending on the desired selectivity, the hydroformylation reaction produces normal and iso–butyraldehyde ratios, which can be varied from 2:1 to 30:1 with typical n/i ratios of 10:1 or 30:1. The butyraldehyde product is removed from the catalyst solution (2) and purified by distillation (3). N-butyraldehyde is separated from the iso (4). The LP Oxo SELECTOR Technology is characterized by its simple flowsheet, low operating pressure and long catalyst life. This results in low capital and maintenance expenses and product cost, and high plant availability. Mild reaction conditions minimize byproduct formation, which contributes to higher process efficiencies and product qualities. Technology for hydrogenation to normal or iso-butanols or aldolization and hydrogenation to 2-ethylhexanol exists and has been widely licensed. One version of the LP Oxo Technology has been licensed to produce valeraldehyde (for the production of 2-propylheptanol) from a mixed butene feedstock, and another version to produce higher alcohols (up to C15) from Fischer Tropsch produced olefins. Licensor: Davy Process Technology Ltd., UK, and Dow Global Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Co., US
