Homogeneous Reactions in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Using a Catalyst Immobilized by a Microporous Silica Membrane

Membrane separation technology is successfully applied for the immobilization of a homogeneous catalyst (a (1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluoroalkyl)dimethylsilyl-substituted derivative of Wilkinson's catalyst) in a continuous process that uses supercritical carbon dioxide as solvent. The catalyst is separated from the products by a microporous silica membrane (see scheme).