Ionic Liquids as Surfactants in Aqueous Multiphase Systems for the Pd-Catalyzed Hydrocarboxylation

The suitability of ionic liquids (alkylmethylimidazolium bromides) as surfactants in an aqueous multiphase system for the Pd-catalyzed hydrocarboxylation of 1-dodecene is discussed. Attention is paid to the influence of these ionic liquids on the reaction performance and the phase separation. All tested ionic liquids are suitable as surfactants, but their concentration has a strong impact on the reaction performance. The resulting product concentrations are crucial for the phase behavior and so for the phase separation. In recycling experiments, the Pd-catalyst is successfully separated and reused.