Reductive-hydroformylation of 1-octene to nonanol using fibrous Co3O4 catalyst

Abstract This work reports, reductive-hydroformylation of 1-octene to nonanol in the presence of fine fibrous cobalt oxide (Co 3 O 4 ) nano-catalyst prepared via urea reduction method under phosphine-free and additive free condition. Co 3 O 4 nano-catalyst was prepared by the wet chemical method and was characterized using various instrumental techniques like FEG-SEM, EDS, XRD, TPR and FTIR. The effects of various reaction parameters such as temperature, synthesis gas (CO/H 2 ) pressure/ratio, catalyst loading, solvent and time were studied. The reaction was successfully achieved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) as the solvent medium. This reaction believed to takes place through the generation of HCo x (CO) y active catalyst species. The Co 3 O 4 nano-catalyst could be recycled up to three consecutive cycles.