CONTINUOUS PROCESS FOR HYDROFORMYLATING OLEFINS WITH 6 TO 20 CARBON ATOMS

摘要

Disclosed is a continuous process for hydroformylating olefins containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms, whereby a) an aqueous solution of cobalt (II) salt is brought into contact with hydrogen and carbon monoxide to form a cobalt catalyst which acts as an active hydroformylation agent; the aqueous phase containing the cobalt catalyst is brought into contact with said olefins and, optionally, an organic solvent such as hydrogen and carbon dioxide in at least one reaction area, whereby the cobalt catalyst is extracted into an organic phase and the olefins are hydroformylated; b) the discharge from the reaction area is treated with oxygen in the presence of the aqueous acid cobalt ll salt solution, whereby the cobalt catalyst is decomposed to form cobalt (ll) salts. The cobalt (ll) salts thus formed are re-extracted into the aqueous phase; and said phases are subsequently separated; c) the aqueous cobalt (ll) salt solution is re-introduced unchanged in step a). The invention is characterised by the fact that the concentration of cobalt (ll) salt solution ranges from 1.1 to 1.7 % by weight in relation to cobalt, and is constantly kept under such conditions that the solubility limit of the cobalt formate in water is not exceeded. The method guarantees a stable, reliable process.