Integrating hydroformylations with methanol-to-syngas reforming
Researchers at Aarhus University, in collaboration with the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis, have recently demonstrated how methanol-to-syngas reforming could serve as a key step in establishing methanol as a sustainable chemical platform for producing renewable oxo-products.
In a recent study published in Chem by Cell Press, researchers from the groups of Professor Troels Skrydstrup and Professor Matthias Beller have introduced a proof-of-concept methodology for utilizing CO₂-derived methanol as a syngas surrogate in the production of oxo-products from olefins. This innovative approach offers a promising step toward more sustainable chemical manufacturing by reducing reliance on fossil-derived syngas.
At the core of this methodology is the precise integration of two catalytic processes: ruthenium-catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenation of methanol and rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of olefins. This dual-catalysis system enables controlled syngas release and highly selective conversion of olefins into aldehydes, resulting in excellent yields and regioselectivity. The versatility of the hydroformylation is further demonstrated through its compatibility with a broad range of substrates. Additionally, the incorporation of isotopically labeled methanol provides a valuable tool for mechanistic studies and tracer experiments.
By employing fuel-grade green methanol, produced from captured CO₂ and green hydrogen, the researchers establish a viable pathway for synthesizing oxo-products on a gram scale without the need for coal- or natural gas-derived syngas. This work highlights the potential of methanol as a renewable chemical feedstock and underscores its role in advancing a more sustainable and circular chemical economy.
About the research
Study type:
Experimental chemistry
External funding:
This research is financially supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation CO2 Research Center (grant no. NNF21SA0072700, CORC publication no. CORC_24_43), the Danish National Research Foundation (grant no. DNRF118), and NordForsk (no. 85378).
Conflicts of interest:
Troels Skrydstrup is co-owner of SyTracks A/S, which commercializes COtubes.
Link to the scientific article:
https://www.cell.com/chem/fulltext/S2451-9294(24)00641-7
Andreas Bonde, Joakim Bøgelund Jakobsen, Alexander Ahrens, Weiheng Huang, Ralf Jackstell, Matthias Beller and Troels Skrydstrup
Contact information
Professor Troels Skrydstrup
Aarhus University
Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) and Department of Chemistry
Email: ts@chem.au.dk