Synthesis of diols from jojoba oil via rhodium-catalyzed reductive hydroformylation: a smart way to access biobased polyurethanes

Abstract

Jojoba oil ester has been functionalized with alcohol groups via hydrohydroxymethylation (HHM) catalyzed by a Rh/amine system. In the optimized conditions, a full conversion together with a 99% yield in alcohol products were obtained. The catalytic system has been recycled via a chromatographic technique at least 10 times without notable loss of activity. The hydrohydroxymethylated products have been succesfully used as monomers for the synthesis of a new biobased polyurethane possessing good thermal and mechanical properties.