Abstract: It is disclosed a linear random copolymer of carbon monoxide and one or more olefinically unsaturated compounds wherein the polymer chain contains units originating from the olefinically unsaturated compound(s) and monomer units originating from carbon monoxide in a molar ratio of from 52.5:47.5 to 80:20.It is further disclosed a process for the preparation of linear random copolymers of carbon monoxide and one or more olefinically unsaturated compounds, wherein the monomers are contacted with a catalyst composition comprising a source of palladium and an anionic phosphorus monodentate ligand in a molar ratio of carbon monoxide to the olefinically unsaturated compound(s) in the range of from 1:30 to 1:3.

Abstract: Process for the hydroformylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds, by reaction with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst based on a metal of the platinum group, a source of anions and a bidentate ligand of the formula R.sup.1 R.sup.2 M.sup.1 RM.sup.2 R.sup.3 R.sup.4 wherein M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 are phosphorus, arsenic or antimony, R is a bivalent organic bridging group with 1 to 4 atoms in the bridge, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together represent a bivalent cyclic group and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 independently represent an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group or together have the same meaning as R.sup.1 and R.sup.2.

Abstract: A process for the carbonylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds by reaction with carbon monoxide and a co-reactant in the presence of a substantially non-acidic catalyst system based on a palladium compound and a bidentate ligand of the formulaR.sub.1 R.sub.2 M.sub.1 RM.sub.2 R.sub.3 R.sub.4in which M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 may be phosphorus, arsenic or antimony atom, R is a bivalent organic bridging group, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently substituted or non-substituted aliphatic groups, with the proviso that R.sub.1 together with R.sub.2, and/or R.sub.3 together with R.sub.4 form a bivalent cyclic group with at least 5 ring atoms whereby the two free valencies are linked to M.sub.1 or M.sub.2, respectively.Catalytic compositions employing the bidentate ligands used in this method in which M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are phosphorous are also presented.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of actylenically unsaturated compounds by contacting the monomer(s) under polymerization conditions with a catalyst system comprising:a) a source of cations of one or more Group VIII metals;b) a bidentate ligand containing phosphorus, arsenic and/or antimony; andc) a source of anions.