Iridum-catalysis

Unlike the hydrogenation catalysts, most iridium catalysts studied for hydroformylation chemistry are not particularly active and are usually much less active than their rhodium counterparts see Carbonylation Processes by Homogeneous Catalysis). However, this lower activity was useful in utihzing iridium complexes to study separate steps in the hydroformylation mechanism. Using iridium complexes, several steps important in the hydroformylation cycle such as alkyl migration to carbon monoxide were studied. Another carbonylation reaction in which iridum catalysis appears to be conunercially viable is in the carbonylation of methanol. ... 

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