Supercritical CO2 as an effective medium for a novel conversion of glycerol and alcohols in the heterogeneous telomerisation of butadiene

Abstract

The selective telomerisation of 2,3-dimethylbuta-1,3-diene with several different mono- and polyalcohols proceeds in the presence of a heterogeneous palladium catalyst. By applying a green solvent (CO₂), the selectivity of the reaction as well as the conversion of diene is easily moderated, imitating the results of reactions with organic solvents. In addition, the pressure tuning allows the driving of the reaction towards a highly selective synthesis of monotelomers, which could be valuable future intermediates in the production of surfactants or defoaming agents. Additionally, it was highlighted for the first time that the catalytic addition of glycerol and other polyalcohols to 2,3-dimethylbuta-1,3-diene is possible with complete avoidance of any volatile organic solvents.