Studies examining the hydroformylation of ethylene oxide in expanded solvents are presented, in comparison with conventional solvent systems. Use of in situ ATR FTIR methods and windowed reactors to characterize syngas solubility and catalyst species are examined, as means for enhancing the value of small-scale batch reaction methods, in place of full-scale pilots. A comparison of types of information obtained via batch vs. continuous hydroformylation pilot plant is given.

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