Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for producing ester plasticizers by reacting di- or polycarboxylic acids or their anhydrides with alcohols in the presence of metal catalysts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the purification of C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 -alcohols by distillation, by distilling the alcohols at 150 to 200.degree. C. in the presence of 10 to 1000 ppm of alkali metal hydroxide.

Abstract: Waste gas obtained in the hydroformylation of olefinically unsaturated compounds in the presence of an aqueous catalyst solution comprising water-soluble rhodium complexes (1st reaction stage) is fed to a homogeneous reaction system in which residual amounts of the olefinically unsaturated compounds from the first reaction stage are reacted in a homogeneous reaction system (2nd reaction stage).

Abstract: Mixtures of substances containing metal complex compounds, organoelemental ligands, and/or other components are separated according to the invention by chromatography on stationary supports in an aqueous or aqueous/organic medium.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of aldehydes including reacting olefins with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in an aqueous liquid phase in the presence of a rhodium catalyst and a specific class of water soluble aryl phosphines. These phosphines are preferably mixtures of alkali metal salts and quaternary ammonium salts of sulfonated aryl phosphines.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of aldehydes by hydroformylation of olefins in the presence of an aqueous solution containing rhodium as a catalyst. The aqueous solution preferably contains rhodium in a concentration of 450 to 800 weight-ppm and sulfonated or carboxylated triarylphosphines as complex ligands in a concentration of 25 to 30% by weight, both based on the aqueous solution.

Abstract: In a hydroformylation process for the preparation of aldehydes by reacting aliphatic olefins of 2 to 12 carbon atoms with carbon monoxide and hydrogen at temperatures of 20.degree. to 150.degree. C. and pressures of 0.1 to 20 mPa in the liquid phase and in the presence of an aqueous solution of a catalyst containing originally 50 to 800 wt. ppm of rhodium and 25 to 30 wt. % of complex-forming, sulfonated or carboxylated triarylphosphines, in each case based on the aqueous solution, the improvement comprising adding fresh phosphine solution to maintain the original phosphine concentration, until the total concentration of complex-forming phosphines and secondary and degradation products of the phosphines not capable of forming complexes amounts to about 35 to 45 wt. % based on the aqueous solution to selectively form n-aldehydes.

Abstract: In a hydroformylation process for the preparation of aldehydes by reacting aliphatic olefins of 2 to 12 carbon atoms with carbon monoxide and hydrogen at temperatures of 20.degree. to 150.degree. C. and pressures of 0.1 to 20 mPa in the liquid phase and in the presence of an aqueous solution containing 50 to 800 wt. ppm of rhodium and 25 to 30 wt. % of phosphines, in each case based on the aqueous solution as a catalyst system and in addition the transformation products of the phosphines, the improvement comprising draining off a portion of the aqueous solution of the catalyst system together with the reaction product and replacing the same by fresh aqueous solution of the catalyst system whereby the original catalyst selectivity for formation of n-aldehydes is maintained.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a gas containing one or more of hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide, and carbonyl sulfide as impurities comprising contacting the gas with at least one aliphatic aldehyde which is liquid under the purification conditions. The gas is inert to the aldehyde under such conditions. The process is useful in the purification of synthesis gas for use in reactions wherein sensitive catalysts are employed.

Abstract: A process for the production of 2-ethyl-hexanol comprising reacting propene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen, in the presence of an aqueous catalyst containing rhodium and at least one sulfonated triarylphosphine, to form an aqueous phase and an organic phase, said organic phase comprising a mixture of materials having boiling points lower than that of n-butanal and substances having boiling points equal to or higher than that of n-butanal, said materials including i-butanal, separating said material from said substances, subjecting said substances to aldol condensation, in the presence of aqueous alkali, to form 2-ethyl hexenal, first hydrogenating said 2-ethyl-hexenal in a gas phase in the presence of a first hydrogenation catalyst and thereafter hydrogenating said 2-ethyl-hexenal in a liquid phase to form 2-ethyl-hexanol in the presence of a second hydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the hydroformylation of aldehydes comprising reacting aliphatic olefins with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a liquid phase in the presence of water, a rhodium catalyst and a water soluble salt of a sulfonated or carboxylated triarylphosphine, the reaction taking place in the presence of an aqueous phase having a pH of about 5.5 to about 6.2.

Abstract: A polyol composition comprising a solid polyol which is crystalline under normal conditions and, as an anti-caking agent therefor, a tertiary amine containing at least two identical organic substituents, each having two to twenty carbon atoms. A method of preventing caking of polyols is disclosed wherein to such polyols there is added at least one of such tertiary amines, preferably in a concentration of 0.05 to 0.25 percent by weight based on the weight of the polyol.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 2-methylene aldehydes is disclosed wherein formaldehyde is reacted with an aldehyde of the general formula R--CH.sub.2 CHO, where R stands for a substituted or unsubstituted organic radical having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms. The reaction takes place in the presence of a mixture of a secondary amine and an organic carboxylic acid having up to 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for preparing methacrolein by catalytic reaction of propionaldehyde with formaldehyde is disclosed wherein the catalyst comprises a mixture of secondary amine and organic carboxylic acid with up to 8 carbon atoms.