Aqueous/organic biphasic systems are popular media for performing homogeneous catalysis with facile separation of catalyst and product. Unfortunately, mass transfer issues and low water solubility of hydrophobic substrates hinder the efficiency of these systems. We have recently proposed1 a monophasic catalytic system followed by biphasic separation using switchable water,2 an aqueous based CO2-switchable ionic strength solvent. Catalysis takes place in a single phase which eliminates mass transfer issues found in biphasic systems. The later application of CO2 increases the ionic strength of the solution and generates a biphasic system where product is removed from catalyst. The removal of CO2 then lowers the ionic strength and the catalyst-containing phase is recycled.  For the hydroformylation of styrene, high conversions and selectivities were observed over three cycles with no loss of catalyst activity.1 Mercer, S.M.; Robert, T.; Dixon, D.V.; Jessop P.G. Submitted 2011 .2 Mercer, S.M.; Jessop, P.G. ChemSusChem 2010 , 3, 467-470.

CO<sub>2</sub>-triggered mono- to bi-phasic catalysis systems using switchable water

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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CO2-triggered mono- to bi-phasic catalysis systems using switchable water

CO₂-triggered mono- to bi-phasic catalysis systems using switchable water