Process for making aromatic aldehydes using ionic liquids

摘要

A process for the carbonylation of alkyl aromatic compounds uses acidic ionic liquids. In one embodiment, the ionic liquid is intrinsically acidic, having an anion mole fraction of greater than 0.5. The ionic liquids include those comprised of a quaternary nitrogen-containing cation and a metal halide anion. The process provides for good conversion and selectivity in the production of the corresponding aromatic aldehyde compound.