HOMOGENOUS PROCESS FOR THE HYDROGENATION OF CARBOXYLIC ACIDSAND DERIVATIVES THEREOF

摘要

A homogenous process for the hydrogenation of the carboxylic acids and/or derivatives thereof in the presence of a catalyst comprising ruthenium, rhodium, iron, osmium or palladium, and an organic phosphine is described in which the hydrogenation is carried out in the presence of at least about 1% by weight water. A process for regenerating a catalyst comprising ruthenium, rhodium, iron, osmium or palladium and an organic phosphine is also describe d in which the regeneration is carried out in the presence of hydrogen and wat er.