Abstract: Process for the telomerization of a conjugated diene, wherein the conjugated diene is reacted with a compound containing an active hydrogen atom and having a formula R?—H in the presence of a telomerization catalyst based on: (a) a source of group VIII metal, (b) a bidentate ligand wherein the bidentate ligand has the general formula I R1R2M1-R-M2R3R4??(I) wherein M1 and M2 are independently P, As or Sb; R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently represent a monovalent aliphatic group; or R1, R2 and M1 together and/or R3, R4 and M2 together independently represent an optionally substituted aliphatic cyclic group with at least 5 ring atoms, of which one is the M1 or M2 atom, respectively; R represents a bivalent organic bridging group; and novel bidentate diphosphines which can be used in this process.

Abstract: A process for producing primary alcohols from secondary alcohols and/or tertiary alcohols and/or ketones, wherein the process comprises reacting a compound selected from a secondary alcohol, a tertiary alcohol, a ketone, or mixtures thereof, with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst based on: (i) a source of Group VIII metal, (ii) a bidentate ligand having the general formula (I): R1R2M1-R-M2R3R4??(I) wherein M1 and M2 are independently P, As or Sb; R1 and R2 together represent a bivalent substituted or unsubstituted cyclic aliphatic group whereby the two free valencies are linked to M1; R3 and R4 independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group, or together represent a bivalent or non-substituted cyclic group whereby the two free valencies are linked to M2; and R represents a bivalent aliphatic bridging group; and (iii) an acid having a pKa of 3 or less which is in excess over the Group VIII metal.

Abstract: A process for the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound with carbon monoxide and a co-reactant. The carbonylation reaction is carried out in the presence of a novel catalyst involving: a) a source of a group VIII metal; b) a bidentate diphosphine of formula I, wherein R1 represents a bivalent radical that together with the phosphorus atom to which it is attached is an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1{3,7}]-decyl group or a derivative thereof in which one or more of the carbon atoms are replaced by heteroatoms (“2-PA” group); wherein R2 and R3 independently represent univalent radicals of up to 20 atoms or jointly form a bivalent radical of up to 20 atoms; and wherein A1 and A2 independently represent optionally substituted alkylene groups and R represents an optionally substituted aromatic group; and, c) a source of anions.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an carboxylic anhydride by reaction of an ethylenically unsaturated compound with carbon monoxide and an carboxylic acid in the presence of a catalyst involving: a) a source of a group VIII metal; b) a bidentate diphosphine of formula I, wherein R1 represents a bivalent radical that together with the phosphorus atom to which it is attached is an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo[3.3.1.1 {3,7}]-decyl group or a derivative thereof in which one or more of the carbon atoms are replaced by heteroatoms (“2-PA” group); wherein R2 and R3 independently represent univalent radicals of up to 20 atoms or jointly form a bivalent radical of up to 20 atoms; and wherein R represents a bivalent organic bridging group; and, c) a complexing anion; wherein the complexing anion is the anion of the carboxylic acid. A process wherein the carboxylic acid is prepared in-situ and use of the carboxylic anhydride as an acylation agent.