Abstract: A process for the carbonylation of butadiene or a butadiene derivative in the presence of (i) carbon monoxide, (ii) an alcohol or water, and (iii) a catalyst system comprising palladium, a carboxylic acid and a monodentate phosphine ligand. The amounts of reactants during the carbonylation process are controlled so that the molar ratio of butadiene or butadiene derivative to palladium in the reaction mixture is less than about 70:1, the molar ratio of carboxylic acid to palladium is greater than about 10:1 and the molar ratio of alcohol or water to butadiene or butadiene derivative is less than about 2:1.2. Good selectivity and conversions are advantageously achieved.

Abstract: Six carbon diacids or lactones or 5 carbon lactones or 6 carbon diacid anhydrides or branched mono-olefinic five carbon acids are converted (isomerized) to adipic acid or pentenoic acids by reacting them is the presence of carbon monoxide and a iodide promoted iridium catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of adipic acid by reacting 1,3-butadiene or an allylic butenol or the like with carbon monoxide and water using a rhodium catalyst and an HI or HBr promoter, removing adipic acid from the reaction mixture, and reacting at least part of the remaining portion of the reaction mixture to form additional adipic acid.

Abstract: Production of dialkyl adipate by reaction of butadiene, carbon dioxide, and a lower alkyl alcohol in the presence of a cobalt catalyst and a tertiary nitrogen base cocatalyst to form a liquid mixture containing alkyl 3-pentenoate, adding alkanoic acid to the mixture in an amount sufficient to keep the cobalt catalyst active, and then reacting the mixture to form dialkyl adipate. The acid addition increases the rate of reaction relative to catalyst deactivation rate and reduces the consumption of the tertiary nitrogen base cocatalyst.

Abstract: Deactivated cobalt catalyst from the carboxalkoxylation of butadiene is regenerated by contact with a strong acid ion exchange resin.