Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of optically active aldehydes by the asymmetric catalytic hydroformylation of olefins. The process comprises the hydroformylation of olefinically unsaturated prochiral compounds in the presence of an optically active coordination compound containing a metal which is selected from the group consisting of rhodium, iridium, and cobalt.This invention describes a generalized process for the asymmetric hydroformylation of a wide variety of olefins in which a preponderance of one optical isomer is produced. It is especially useful for the preparation of natural products which may require the presence of only one optical isomer for their utilization, for example, as flavors, fragrances, and medications.The catalyst systems for the process of this invention are formed in the presence of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, from coordination compounds consisting of a central metal atom, rhodium, iridium, or cobalt, and at least one optically active ligand, e.g.

Abstract: A hydroformylation process in which the catalyst is the reaction product of a cobalt carbonyl compound with a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound having an enolic hydroxyl group on the carbon atom adjacent to the ring-forming nitrogen atom or the catalyst is the reaction product of a .beta.-dioxo cobalt compound and a nitrogen-containing base having a double bonded carbon atom at the .alpha.-position, with carbon monoxide and hydrogen.