Abstract: A process for the carbonylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds including vinyl esters and a process for the production of 3-hydroxy propanoate esters or acids. The process comprises reacting said compound with carbon monoxide in the presence of a source of hydroxyl groups and of a catalyst system. The catalyst system is obtainable by combining: (a) a metal of Group 8, 9 or 10 or a compound thereof: and (b) a bidentate ligand of general formula (I): X1(X2)-Q2-A-R—B-Q1-X3(X4).

Abstract: A method of increasing the TON of a catalyst system for the monocarbonylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds using carbon monoxide in the presence of a co-reactant, other than water or a source thereof, having a mobile hydrogen atom is described. The catalyst system is obtainable by combining: (a) a metal of Group (8, 9) or (10) or a suitable compound thereof; (b) a ligand of general formula (I) wherein the groups X3 and X4 independently represent univalent radicals of up to 30 atoms or X3 and X4 together form a bivalent radical of up to 40 atoms and X5 has up to 400 atoms; Q1 represents phosphorus, arsenic or antimony; and c) optionally, a source of anions. The method includes the step of adding water or a source thereof to the catalyst system. The method is preferably carried out in the presence of an electropositive metal.

Abstract: A process for the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound comprising the step of reacting said compound with carbon monoxide in the presence of a co-5 reactant having a mobile hydrogen atom and a catalyst system is described. The catalyst system is obtainable by combining: (a) a metal of Group 8, 9 or 10 or a suitable compound thereof; (b) a ligand of general formula (I): and c) optionally, a source of anions. The invention is characterised in that the catalyst system includes an enhancer compound comprising an aromatic ring or ring system substituted by at least one hydroxyl group wherein the hydroxyl group pKa at 25° C. is greater than 3.0 and less than 9.1, the said enhancer compound excluding 3-quinolinol.

Abstract: A process for the carbonylation of a conjugated diene is described. The process comprises the steps of reacting a conjugated diene with carbon monoxide and a co-reactant having an active hydrogen in the presence of a solvent system and a catalyst system. The solvent system comprises a an aromatic carboxylic acid or, under some conditions, any carboxylic acid. The catalyst system is obtainable by combining: a. a metal of Group 8, 9 or 10 or a compound thereof: and b.

Abstract: A process for the carbonylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds including vinyl esters and a process for the production of 3-hydroxy propanoate esters or acids. The process comprises reacting said compound with carbon monoxide in the presence of a source of hydroxyl groups and of a catalyst system. The catalyst system is obtainable by combining: (a) a metal of Group 8, 9 or 10 or a compound thereof: and (b) a bidentate ligand of general formula (I): X1(X2)-Q2-A-R—B-Q1-X3(X4).