Rh nanoparticle catalyzed hydroaminomethylation of 1-octene in thermoregulated ionic liquid and organic biphasic system.

Thermoregulated ionic liquid and organic biphasic system composed of ionic liquid [CH3(OCH2 CH2)22N+Et3][CH3SO3-] (abbreviated as IL(PEG1000)) containing IL(PEG1000)-stabilized Rh nanoparticles and organic solvent, which allows for not only highly efficient homogeneous reaction but also an easy biphasic separation, was applied to the hydroaminomethylation of 1-octene for the first time. Under the optimized conditions, the conversion of 1-octene and the amine selectivity were 100% and 90%, respectively. After reaction, the Rh nanoparticle catalyst could be easily separated by simple decantation and reused for four times without evident loss in activity.