Homogeneous catalysis in biphasic ionic liquid/CO2 systems

Homogeneous is can efficiently produce a wide variety of chemical products, but is often limited by the ability to separate and recycle the soluble metal catalyst. Multiphase processes have been used to sequester the catalyst, but often have a number of limitations. Here, the advantages of biphasic ionic liquid (IL)-compressed CO2 systems are described. The biphasic system utilizes the strengths of each of the individual platforms and ameliorates many of their challenges, e.g. mass transport, solubility, etc. Reactions in biphasic IL/CO2 systems from the literature are summarized. Techniques are presented to effectively use and understand these systems in light of phase equilibrium thermodynamics.