Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of acrylic acid precursors by a hydroformylation process which comprises reacting a vinyl ether with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a rhodium carbonyl compound and a phosphine ligand at a mild temperature and pressure until there is substantial formation of the intermediate 2- and 3-ethoxypropanals, followed by oxidation of said aldehydes and pyrolysis to said acrylic acid.

Abstract: A process for the hydroformylation of olefins having 2 to 5 carbon atoms using rhodium catalysts in a low pressure process, wherein the waste gas from the low pressure plant containing the olefin is compressed and used in a high pressure plant.

Abstract: Olefinically unsaturated compounds are continuously hydroformylated under from 2 to 30 bar and at from 80.degree. to 130.degree. C. using, as a catalyst, a rhodium complex which contains, as ligands, sparingly volatile compounds of the general formula I ##STR1## where A is phosphorus, arsenic, antimony or bismuth and R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each organic radicals, by a method in which the hydroformylation mixture consisting of liquid and gaseous components is removed from the reactor and is subjected to relatively high temperatures and/or relatively low pressures for a short time in a devolatilization column, the mixture at the same time being separated into a gas phase and a liquid phase, the gas phase is separated into the product and the recycle gas in a separator, and the recycle gas and the liquid phase from the devolatilization column are recycled to the reactor.

Abstract: Certain triarylphosphine rhodium carbonyl hydride complexes(Ar.sub.3 P).sub.3 Rh(CO)H (I) and (Ar.sub.3 P).sub.2 Rh(CO).sub.2 H (II)are selective and stable catalysts of high temperature olefin hydroformylation. The critical factors are the maintenance of a sufficient CO partial pressure, above 25 psia, and the provision of a high excess of triarylphosphine ligand concentration, at a minimum of 1 mole per kg. To provide a high ratio of n- to i-aldehyde products of 1-olefin hydroformylation, the concentration of the tris-phosphine complex (I) is maximized. In a continuous product flashoff operation of the present process, the major high boiling solvent components are the excess phosphine ligands and monoalcohol and monoester by-products.A combined isomerization-hydroformylation process is also disclosed for the selective conversion of internal linear olefins to terminal n-aldehydes. In this process, the concentration of the bis-phosphine complex (II) is minimized.

Abstract: A hydroformylation process which comprises hydroformylating an olefinic compound by reacting it with water gas in a catalyst solution containing rhodium and an oxide of an organic trivalent phosphorus compound; adding an organic trivalent phosphorus compound to the reaction mixture, followed by distillation to separate a distillate containing the hydroformylation product from a high-boiling residue containing rhodium; oxidizing the high-boiling residue at the same time as or subsequent to the distillation, to convert the organic trivalent phosphorus compound to its oxide; and recycling the oxidized residue to the hydroformylation reaction zone.

Abstract: Olefins are hydroformylated with syngas in the presence of a novel organometallic complex catalyst to form the corresponding aldehydes at high reaction rates and improved selectively of linear aldehydes over branched aldehydes.The novel catalyst comprises an organometallic complex formed from a mixture of(1) a platinum (O) complex containing two bidentate diphosphine, diarsine or distibine ligands; and(2) A Group IVB metal halide.

Abstract: The continuous preparation of aldehydes from olefins and synthesis gas by the use of a water-soluble catalyst system containing rhodium. The reaction takes place at 100 to 30,000 kPa and 90.degree. to 150.degree. C. The proportion of gaseous components in the liquids is 5 to 30% by volume, based on the total gaseous and liquid components, the volume ratio of aqueous to organic parts being 1:1 to 100:1. After completion of the reaction, the liquid components and the gaseous components are separated into a liquid phase and a gaseous phase, then the liquid phase is divided into aqueous and organic parts, separation taking place without previous cooling. The heat contained in the reaction product is either removed by water or steam, or is carried over to the hydroformylation products.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process of preparing predominantly linear aldehydes which comprises the steps of contacting a mixture of terminal olefins and synthesis gas with a catalyst system comprising an insoluble polymeric phosphonium salt, and a ruthenium-containing compound, optionally with a cobalt carbonyl and heating said resultant reaction mixture under a pressure of 200 psi or greater at a temperature of at least 100.degree. C. for a sufficient time to produce said aldehydes. Some of the product aldehydes will be reduced to alcohols.

Abstract: Process for the homologation of an alcohol wherein a ketal of the alcohol is reacted with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a cobalt carbonyl complex and the resultant product is hydrolyzed to yield the aldehyde with one more carbon atom.

Abstract: Described is a mixture of vinyl alkanols produced by carrying out an oxo reaction on pinene and then carrying out an oldol condensation with the reaction product. The resulting products are useful as favoring and perfumery.

Abstract: A process for producing linear aldehydes or alcohols from olefins using a transition metal hydroformylation catalyst wherein the catalyst comprises an anionic transition metal catalyst wherein the transition metal is Fe, Ru or Os and the catalysts generally have a charge of at least -2. The formula of the anionic catalyst is generally defined as M.sup.+n [H.sub.y A.sub.x L.sub.z ].sup.-n wherein A represents Fe, Ru or Os, M is a cationic species, n is an integer greater than or equal to 2, x is an integer greater than or equal to 1, y is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and z is an integer generally corresponding to the number of available coordination bonding sites in the ruthenium complex. Monoanionic osmium catalysts are also included within the present invention. These hydroformylation catalysts exhibit greater selectivity toward straight chained aldehydes and alcohols than anionic catalysts having a charge of -1 or a neutral catalyst.

Abstract: Solid catalysts comprising a solid inorganic catalyst support material and polymeric transition metal complex are ideally suited for use as solid catalysts in various vapor phase heterogeneous continuous reactions.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production an aldehyde by hydroformylation of an optionally substituted alpha-olefin comprises:providing a hydroformylation zone containing a charge of a liquid reaction medium having dissolved therein a complex rhodium hydroformylation catalyst comprising rhodium in complex combination with carbon monoxide and with a cyclic phosphite having a bridgehead phosphorus atom linked to three oxygen atoms at least two of which form together with the bridgehead phosphorus atom part of a ring;supplying said alpha-olefin to the hydroformylation zone;maintaining temperature and pressure conditions in the hydroformylation zone conducive to hydroformylation of the alpha-olefin;supplying make-up hydrogen and carbon monoxide to the hydroformylation zone; andrecovering from the liquid hydroformylation medium a hydroformylation product comprising at least one aldehyde.

Abstract: A rhodium catalyzed hydroformylation process carried out in the presence of free triarylphosphine ligand and free organic tertiary bisphosphine monooxide ligand, and catalytic precursor solutions for said process.

Abstract: Hydroformylation process for preparing aldehydes by reactively contacting an olefin and syngas, at elevated temperature and pressure, in the presence of a catalyst comprising a mixture of (1) a platinum complex of the formula Pt(QR.sub. 3).sub.m where Q is a Group VA element, R is alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl or aryloxyl and m is an integer of from 2 to 4, and (2) a metal halide of the formula MX.sub.n where M is a Group IVB metal, X is a halogen and n is 2 or 4.

Abstract: This specification discloses a process for the production of oxygenated compounds, more specifically aldehydes and alcohols, by reacting an olefin with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of, as a ctalyst, an insoluble polymer containing a functional group, which may be an amine, thiol, phosphine, or arsine group, having chemically bonded thereto a metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table. The metal can be, for example, rhodium, cobalt, or ruthenium. The olefin can contain more than one carbon-to-carbon double bond, may be an open chain or a cyclic olefin, and may be substituted. Further, the olefin may be contained in a refinery stream such as a cracked gasoline. The reaction may be carried out in the presence of a polar solvent.

Abstract: This invention reveals a process for the synthesis of 2-methylbutanal (2-methylbutyraldehyde). 2-methylbutanal is a chemical intermediate that is useful in the synthesis of isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene). In utilizing the process of this invention 2-butene is hydroformylated into 2-methylbutanal with only a minimal amount of n-pentanal being produced as a by-product. More specifically, this invention reveals a process for the synthesis of 2-methylbutanal from 2-butene comprising: hydroformylating 2-butene with a catalyst selected from the group consisting of hydridocarbonyltris (triphenylphosphine) cobalt, hydridocarbonyltris (triphenylphosphine) rhodium, and hydridocarbonyltris (triphenylphosphine) iridium in the presence of hydrogen and carbon monoxide wherein said hydroformylation is carried out in the presence of excess triphenylphosphine.

Abstract: Described is a carbonylation process using novel homogeneous trihydrocarbyl silyl-substituted alkyl diaryl phosphine transition metal complexes of the general formula:[(Ar.sub.2 PQ).sub.y SiR.sub.4 --y].sub.g (MX.sub.n).sub.swherein Ar is a C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aromatic hydrocarbyl radical, Q is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 saturated straight chain divalent radical, R is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 hydrocarbyl, wherein Ar, Q and R, can be substituted or unsubstituted, y is 1 to 4, g times y is 1 to 6, M is a transition metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIII transition metals, X is an anion or organic ligand excluding halogen satisfying the valence and coordination sites of the metal, n is 2 to 6 and s is 1 to 3, are disclosed. These materials exhibit high thermal stability and are superior catalysts for the selective hydroformylation of olefins, particularly in the presence of excess quantities of ligand of the formula:(Ar.sub.2 PQ).sub.y SiR.sub.4 -.sub.ywherein Ar, Q, R, and y are as previously defined.

Abstract: Ethanol and/or acetaldehyde are prepared in good yield by contacting methanol, hydrogen and carbon monoxide with a catalyst system comprising a cobalt-containing compound and a promoter in the presence of an inert oxygenated solvent at a temperature of from about 50.degree. C. to about 350.degree. C. and a pressure of at least 500 psig or greater. The combination of cobalt-containing compound and promoter may be (a) a cobalt-containing compound with an organo-sulphur compound, (b) an iodide-containing cobalt compound with a nitrogen-containing compound as promoter, and (c) a cobalt-containing compound with 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of rhodium-triarylphosphine complexes used in the hydroformylation of olefins is described, which comprises contacting an extracted catalyst liquid containing therein a rhodium-triarylphosphine complex with hydrogen in the presence of an alcohol containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms and water to precipitate a hydrogen-coordinated rhodium-triarylphosphine complex, and recovering the precipitated hydrogen atom-coordinated rhodium-triarylphosphine complex from the liquid.

Abstract: This invention concerns an improved process of preparing predominantly linear alcohols which comprises the steps of contacting a mixture of terminal and/or internal olefins and synthesis gas with a catalyst system comprising a ruthenium-containing compound in conjunction with one or more tertiary amine promoters, dispersed in a low melting quaternary phosphonium salt and heating said resultant reaction mixture under a pressure of 100 psi or greater at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C. for a sufficient time to produce said alcohols.

Abstract: A process for the hydroformylation of less reactive olefins with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a Group VIII-metal hydroformylation catalyst which has been modified by a ligand of formula L(OR.sup.1) (OR.sup.2)(OR.sup.3), wherein L represents P or As and R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are similar or dissimilar aryl groups provided that at least one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 is a group ##STR1## wherein Q represents a group ##STR2## or a group ##STR3## wherein R.sup.4 is an optionally fluorine-substituted hydrocarbyl group, R.sup.5 is H or R.sup.4, R.sup.6 is H or an inert substituent on the metal and/or the para position of the ring, X is O or S and n is 0 or 1 and R.sup.7 represents a hydrogen atom or an inert substituent. Less reactive olefins such as limonene can be hydroformylated with very good results.

Abstract: Described is a carbonylation process using novel homogeneous trihydrocarbyl silyl-substituted alkyl diaryl phosphine transition metal complexes of the general formula:[(Ar.sub.2 PQ).sub.y SiR.sub.4 -y].sub.g (MX.sub.n).sub.swherein Ar is a C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aromatic hydrocarbyl radical, Q is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 saturated straight chain divalent radical, R is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 hydrocarbyl, wherein Ar, Q and R, can be substituted or unsubstituted, y is 1 to 4, g times y is 1 to 6, M is a transition metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIII transition metals, X is an anion or organic ligand excluding halogen satisfying the valence and coordination sites of the metal, n is 2 to 6 and s is 1 to 3, are disclosed. These materials exhibit high thermal stability and are superior catalysts for the selective hydroformylation of olefins, particularly in the presence of excess quantities of ligand of the formula:(Ar.sub.2 PQ)ySiR.sub.4-ywherein Ar, Q, R, and y are as previously defined.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process of preparing alcohols and aldehydes which comprises the steps of contacting a mixture of terminal and/or internal olefins and synthesis gas with a catalyst system comprising a ruthenium-containing compound dispersed in a low melting quaternary phosphonium or ammonium base or salt and heating said resultant reaction mixture under a pressure of 100 psi or greater at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C. for a sufficient time to produce said alcohols and aldehydes.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process of preparing predominantly linear alcohols which comprises the steps of contacting a mixture of terminal and/or internal olefins and synthesis gas with a catalyst system comprising a ruthenium-containing compound coupled with one or more bidentate or multidentate, phosphine-containing promoters, dispersed in a low melting quaternary phosphonium salt, and heating said resultant reaction mixture under a pressure of 100 psi or greater at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C. for a sufficient time to produce said alcohols.

Abstract: Described is a carbonylation process using novel homogeneous trihydrocarbyl silyl-substituted alkyl diaryl phosphine transition metal complexes of the general formula:[(Ar.sub.2 PQ).sub.y SiR.sub.4 --y].sub.g (MX.sub.n).sub.swherein Ar is a C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aromatic hydrocarbyl radical, Q is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 saturated straight chain divalent radical, R is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 hydrocarbyl, wherein Ar, Q and R, can be substituted or unsubstituted, y is 1 to 4, g times y is 1 to 6, M is a transition metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIII transition metals, X is an anion or organic ligand excluding halogen satisfying the valence and coordination sites of the metal, n is 2 to 6 and s is 1 to 3, are disclosed. These materials exhibit high thermal stability and are superior catalysts for the selective hydroformylation of olefins, particularly in the presence of excess quantities of ligand of the formula:(Ar.sub.2 PQ)ySiR.sub.4-ywherein Ar, Q, R, and y are as previously defined.

Abstract: Described is a carbonylation process using novel homogeneous trihydrocarbyl silyl-substituted alkyl diaryl phosphine transition metal complexes of the general formula:[(Ar.sub.2 PQ).sub.y SiR.sub.4 -y].sub.g (MX.sub.n).sub.swherein Ar is a C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aromatic hydrocarbyl radical, Q is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.30 saturated straight chain divalent radical, R is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 hydrocarbyl, wherein Ar, Q and R, can be substituted or unsubstituted, y is 1 to 4, g times y is 1 to 6, M is a transition metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIII transition metals, X is an anion or organic ligand excluding halogen satisfying the valence and coordination sites of the metal, n is 2 to 6 and s is 1 to 3, are disclosed. These materials exhibit high thermal stability and are superior catalysts for the selective hydroformylation of olefins, particularly in the presence of excess quantities of ligand of the formula:(Ar.sub.2 PQ).sub.y SiR.sub.4-ywherein Ar, Q, R, and y are as previously defined.

Abstract: In a process for producing an alcohol by hydroformylation comprises reacting a straight chained, branched or alicyclic mono-olefin having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms with carbon monoxide and hydrogen to form an alcohol having carbon atoms greater in number by one than the carbon atoms of the mono-olefin, the improvement comprises(a) a fist step in which the mono-olefin is hydroformylated with use of a cobalt catalyst in the presence of a gas mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen at a high temperature under high pressure to selectively form an aldehyde at a conversion of the mono-olefin being from 50 to 95 mol % while suppressing the formation of an alcohol, and the cobalt catalyst is then removed from the unreacted olefin and the formed aldehyde by decomposition or extraction, and(b) a second step in which the mixture of the unreacted mono-olefin and the formed aldehyde freed from the cobalt catalyst in the first step is reacted with a gas mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen with use of a cobalt organopho

Abstract: Alcohols may be prepared in a combination process by subjecting an aliphatic paraffinic hydrocarbon feed stream to a dehydrogenation reaction and thereafter subjecting the reaction product mix comprising a mixture of aliphatic paraffinic hydrocarbons and aliphatic olefinic hydrocarbons, without separating the olefins in the product mix from the paraffins, to a hydroformylation reaction. The hydroformylation reaction is effected by treating said product mix with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a rhodium-containing compound and a promoter comprising a trialkyl-substituted monoamine, all three of said alkyl moieties being substituted to the nitrogen of said amine to selectively prepare the desired alcohols.

Abstract: Process for selective production of acetaldehyde and dimethyl acetal by the reaction of methanol with carbon monoxide in contact with a catalyst containing cobalt atom, halide atom and a mixture of a trivalent phosphorus compound and a trivalent nitrogen compound. The amount of trivalent nitrogen compound in its mixture varies from 5 mole percent to 50 mole percent of such mixture.

Abstract: A preparation of a plasticizer alcohol, consisting of predominantly 2-propylheptanol, from linear butenes is described in which oxo product of the butenes is aldoled to condense n-pentaldehyde therein with very little cross-aldolization followed by hydrogenation to obtain the 2-propylheptanol with very small 2-propyl-4-methyl hexanol content. The alcohol product as phthalate ester has excellent plasticizer properties. Also processes are described for converting other olefins to alcohols by oxo, aldol and hydrogenation reactions, with particular attention to converting hexenes obtained by propylene dimerization to C.sub.14 alcohols suitable for preparation of detergents.

Abstract: A novel catalyst and the process of using it for hydroformylation where the catalyst is a complex of the formula Pt(Acetylacetonate).sub.2 /nMX.sub.2.nH.sub.2 O/xPR.sub.3 where M is a Group IVA metal, X is a halogem atom, n is an integer of from about 2 to about 10, x is an integer of from about 5 to about 20, n is 0 or 2, and PR.sub.3 is a phosphine where R is an alkyl or, aryl group.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel process for the preparation of an ester of formic acid which comprises subjecting hydrogen, carbon monoxide and an ester of nitrous acid to a catalytic vapor phase reaction in the presence of a platinum group metal or a salt thereof. The product obtained by the process according to the present invention does not substantially contain water and free formic acid. The ester of formic acid formed by the process according to the present invention can be separated and purified in a simple manner, e.g., by conventional distillation procedure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of producing 1,9-nonanedial and/or 9-hydroxy-7-nonen-1-al which comprises reacting 2,7-octadien-1-ol with a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in an organic solvent in the presence of a rhodium catalyst and 30-300 equivalents of a monodentate tertiary organic phosphorus compound in per gram atom of rhodium at a hydrogen partial pressure of 0.5-20 kg/cm.sup.2 (absolute) and a carbon monoxide partial pressure of 0.1-5.0 kg/cm.sup.2 (absolute).

Abstract: A process is provided wherein synthesis gas (H.sub.2 +CO) is used to convert olefins to methylated saturates embodying hydroformylation followed by hydrogenation. Suitable feedstocks include FCC light cycle oil, catalytically dewaxed products, coker liquids, shale oil and pyrolysis gasoline.

Abstract: Novel heterogeneous catalysts consist essentially of an anion exchange resin to which is bound ionically an anionic metal carbonyl species having the general formula M.sub.n (CO).sub.m (X).sub.p.sup.z- where M is a transition metal such as for example rhodium, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, iridium, or iron; X is an anion, for example halide, hydride, or alkyl; n ranges from 1 to 12; m ranges from 1 to 34; p ranges from 0 to 2n+1; and z is an integer charge ranging from 1 to 5. The catalyst in which M is rhodium, m=2, p=2, n=1,and z=1 is highly effective for the carbonylation of alcohols to acids and esters. Many of these anionic species have utility in the hydroformylation of olefins.

Abstract: Aldehyde ethers of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each, independently of the other, represent a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each, independently of the other, represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl radical, or wherein R.sub.1 represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered or 6-membered cycloaliphatic ring, and R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl radical, and wherein Y represents --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 or --CH.sub.2 --CH (CH.sub.3)--, are prepared by hydroformylation of a corresponding compound of formula. ##STR2## by reaction with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a hydroformylation catalyst, e.g. a rhodium complex catalyst. Preferred compounds include 4-t-butoxybutyraldehyde and 3-t-butoxy-2-methylpropionaldehyde.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the improved process of this invention, dicobalt octacarbonyl is produced in an olefinic medium by contacting an aqueous solution of a tetracarbonylcobaltate metal salt with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of an olefinic extractant for dicobalt octacarbonyl to oxidize the tetracarbonylcobaltate anion to dicobalt octacarbonyl which is efficiently extracted into the olefinic phase, thereby producing an organic phase which can then be recovered and passed to a cobalt-catalyzed olefin hydroformylation reaction zone as source of at least a portion of the catalyst and olefin required in the olefin hydroformylation reaction to form the corresponding aldehydes.

Abstract: An improved process for de-cobaltizing the primary product of an oxo synthesis is disclosed wherein the primary product is contacted with steam introduced into a vessel to which the primary oxo product is introduced but initially maintained in out of contact relationship to such product by a cooling medium whereby heat transfer from the steam to the primary product is initially avoided. The primary product and steam are fed to a cylindrical reactor having a conical base, and after the steam has risen 1/2 to 2/3 of the height of the conical base it comes in contact with the primary product whose liquid level height in the vessel is maintained at one to two times the vessel's diameter. An apparatus for performing such process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Conversion of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, alcohol and olefin containing mixtures in the presence of a new class of heterogeneous catalyst is provided. Said new class of heterogeneous catalyst comprises a substrate having a minimum surface area of about 10 m.sup.2 /g and having pores with a minimum pore diameter of about 5 Angstrom Units, said substrate being modified by at least one amine functional member coordinated to a metal function, said amine functional member acting as a bridging member between said substrate and said metal function.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the improved process of this invention, dicobalt octacarbonyl is produced in an olefinic medium by contacting an aqueous solution of a tetracarbonylcobaltate metal salt with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of an olefinic extractant for dicobalt octacarbonyl to oxidize the tetracarbonylcobaltate anion to dicobalt octacarbonyl which is efficiently extracted into the olefinic phase, thereby producing an organic phase which can then be recovered and passed to a cobalt-catalyzed olefin hydroformylation reaction zone as source of at least a portion of the catalyst and olefin required in the olefin hydroformylation reaction to form the corresponding aldehydes.

Abstract: A process for hydroformylating olefinically unsaturated compounds by means of rhodium/triphenylphosphine/carbonyl complexes formed in situ from rhodium acetate, triphenylphosphine and carbon monoxide, wherein the hydroformylation reaction is preceded by a starting phase in which the mixture of the hydroformylation medium, the triphenylphosphine and rhodium acetate is heated at from 90.degree. to 120.degree. C. under a CO/H.sub.2 pressure of from 5 to 20 bar and the acetic acid liberated is discharged from the reactor in gaseous form in a stream of CO and H.sub.2, until virtually no more acetic acid can be detected in this gaseous discharge.

Abstract: A process for the hydroformylation of olefins which facilitates recovery of precious metal catalyst and which proceeds under mild conditions comprises using as catalyst a water-soluble complex of a platinum group metal, the reaction mixture including aqueous and organic phases and an amphiphilic reagent.

Abstract: A process for the production of olefins from synthesis gas comprises a first synthesis stage in which a mixture of methanol and higher alcohols are formed from a synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The catalyst for the first synthesis stage comprises the oxides of copper and zinc in intimate association with each other and a promoting compound selected from the group consisting of chromium, cerium, lanthanum, manganese, thorium, and an alkali metal. The materials from the first synthesis stage are separated into a gas phase and a liquid phase. Thereafter the methanol is separated from the higher alcohol fractions. The higher alcohols are then subjected to dehydration in a dehydration stage which comprises passing the higher alcohol fraction over an alkalized dehydration catalyst at a pressure in the range of 0.5-1 bar and a temperature in the range of 350.degree.-500.degree. C.

Abstract: Complexes of the formula[(R.sub.2 DQ).sub.b P.sup.+ R.sup.1.sub.4-b ].sub.g.(MX.sub.n).sub.sare disclosed in which R is selected from an alkyl group containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an aryl group containing from 6 to 10 carbon atoms; Q is a divalent organic radical selected from an alkylene group and an alkylene group the carbon chain of which is interrupted by an ether oxygen or phenylene group, wherein the alkylene group contains from 1 to 30 carbon atoms; R.sup.1 represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, wherein said R.sup.1 groups can be the same or different; D is a member selected from P and N; Z.sup.- is an anion; M is a Group VIII metal; X is an anion or organic ligand satisfying the coordination sites of the metal; b times g is 1 to 6; n is 2 to 6; and s is 1 to 3. Processes of using such complexes are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns an oxo process employing unmodified rhodium catalyst for the preparation of aldehydes, principally for the preparation of relatively high proportions of branched isomer, from olefins and synthesis gas. More particularly the invention concerns such a process wherein at least a portion of the reaction medium, e.g., the oxo reactor effluent, is contacted with an oxygen containing gas prior to product recovery by distillation, such that the rhodium is converted to a stable form and not lost by plating out on the distillation column or base heater during the distillation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the hydroformylation of olefinic material in general, and more particularly concerns the hydroformylation of olefins of 2 to 20 carbons, preferably of 3 to 10 carbons for the production of relatively high proportions of branched aldehydes, comprising contacting olefinic material in a reaction zone at a temperature of from about 60.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C. and a pressure of from about 750 psig to about 10,000 psig with hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and a catalyst consisting of a mixture of unmodified cobalt and unmodified rhodium in a molar ratio range of from about 0.5 to about 100, wherein for each mole of olefin there is present from about 1.times.10.sup.-7 to about 1.times.10.sup.-5 moles of rhodium and from about 1.times.10.sup.-7 to about 1.times.10.sup.-4 moles of cobalt, for a sufficient period of time to permit reaction of the olefinic material with the carbon monoxide and hydrogen to form aldehyde product.

Abstract: Trace amounts of catalysts which are present in products resulting from organic reactions, such as rhodium which is present in the alcohol products resulting from a hydroformylation reaction, may be removed by treating the aforesaid products with a solid adsorbent such as a metal compound of Groups IA or IIA of the Periodic Table, molecular sieves or ion-exchange resins at a temperature in the range of from about ambient to about 100.degree. C. and a pressure in the range of from about atmospheric to about 100 atmospheres.

Abstract: Acrolein acetals are selectively hydroformylated on the unsaturated carbon atom adjacent to the carbon bearing two ether groups in the presence of a supported rhodium-cobalt bimetallic cluster. The resulting internally hydroformylated product is useful as a precursor of methacrylic acid.

Abstract: Olefins are hydroformylated to aldehydes in the presence of a catalytic system comprising a rhodium containing, aqueous solution of certain sulfonated aryl phosphine compounds.