Abstract: A process for producing a 1,3-diol, e.g., 1,3-propanediol, and/or a 3-hydroxyaldehyde, e.g., 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde, is disclosed which comprises contacting a combination of an epoxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a rhodium-containing.catalyst composition effective to promote the hydroformylation of the epoxide at conditions effective to form at least one of a 1,3-diol and a 3-hydroxyaldehyde. The rhodium-containing catalyst composition comprises an anionic rhodium-containing complex. A promoter component is preferably provided to enhance at least one of the rate and selectivity of the epoxide hydroformylation reaction. Rhodium-containing compositions and a processes for producing rhodium-containing compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and novel catalyst for the carbonylation of one or more of alcohols, ethers and ether alcohols to esters and, optionally, to carboxylic acids. The reaction is effected in the vapor state over a solid catalyst comprising a polyoxometalate anion in which the metal is at least one taken from Group V and VI of the Periodic Chart of the Elements complexed with a cation from a member of Group VIIIA of the Periodic Chart of the Elements. Preferably, the catalyst is deposited on a support that is inert to the reaction. The preferred support is silica.

Abstract: A process for improving the catalytic activity of a partially deactivated solubilized rhodium-tertiary organophosphine complex hydroformylation catalyst by treating it with propargyl alcohol and a carboxylic acid.

Abstract: An improved esterification process for producing volatile product esters by reacting a lower linear hydrocarbyl carboxylic acid with an alcohol containing from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, in a substantially non-aqueous medium, the improvement comprising minimizing the amount of acidic sulfate contained in the product ester by employing as the esterification catalyst a long chain alkylbenzene sulfonic acid catalyst, the alkyl radical containing from 8 to 20 carbon atoms, or mixtures of such catalysts.

Abstract: A process for improving the catalytic activity of a partially deactivated solubilized rhodium - tertiary organophosphine complex hydroformylation catalyst.

Abstract: Process for the separation and recovery of aldehyde product from a non-aqueous hydroformylation reaction product composition comprising the aldehyde product, a rhodium-ionically charged phosphorus ligand complex, a free ionically charged phosphorus ligand and an organic solubilizing agent for said complex and said free ligand via phase separation using added water or both added water and an added non-polar hydrocarbon compounds.

Abstract: Catalyst composition for the production of methanol and higher saturated aliphatic alcohols from synthesis gas. The catalysts consist essentially of:(i) about 0.18 to about 0.81 mol fraction of copper;(ii) about 0.045 to about 0.54 mol fraction of thorium;(iii) up to about 0.54 mol fraction of zirconium; and(iv) about 0.01 to about 0.2 mol fraction of an alkali metal.

Abstract: A nonaqueous hydroformylation process for producing aldehydes using low volatile, organic solubilized monosulfonated tertiary phosphine metal salt ligands.

Abstract: A process for the homologation of an alkanol by reaction with synthesis gas in contact with a system containing rhodium atom, ruthenium atom, iodine atom and a bis(diorganophosphino) alkane to selectivity produce the next higher homologue.

Abstract: A nonaqueous hydroformylation process for producing aldehydes using low volatile, organic soluble monosulfonated tertiary phosphine salt ligands.

Abstract: A process for selectively removing alkyl substituted phosphine from an organic liquid containing same and triarylphosphine by treating said liquid with phosphoric acid.

Abstract: Transition metal-diorganophosphite complex catalyzed carbonylation processes, especially hydroformylation, as well as transition metal-diorganophosphite ligand complex compositions, diorganophosphite ligands and transition metal-diorganophosphite catalysts.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production, selectively, of C.sub.n+1 alcohols from a C.sub.n olefin. The process comprises reacting the C.sub.n olefin with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of molybdenum sulfide and an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal compound.