Hydroformylation process

摘要

Hydroformylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds by reaction with carbon monoxide and hydrogen comprises using a catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal complex with phosphorus-containing ligands that noncovalently dimerize together to give a phosphorus-phosphorus spacing of no more than 5 Angstroms. Independent claims are also included for: (1) a catalyst as above; (2) production of 2-propylheptanol by hydroformylating butene in the presence of a catalyst as above, optionally fractionating the hydroformylation product to obtain an n-valeraldehyde-enriched fraction, subjecting the n-valeraldehyde to aldol condensation, catalytically hydrogenating the product, and optionally fractionating the hydrogenation product to obtain an 2-propylheptanol-enriched fraction.