LOW PRESSURE RHODIUM CATALYZED HYDROFORMYLATION OF OLEFINS.

摘要

The hydroformylation of olefins with rhodium complex catalysts is described. The catalysts employed comprise a rhodium complex with at least one phosphine having a specified structure, e.g., tris(benzyl)phosphine. Preferred phosphines have a pKa in the range of about 3.5 up to 5.3 and a cone angle in the range of about 160 up to 195 DEG . Hydroformylation reactions at relatively low temperatures and pressure and yet with high rates of reaction and high selectivity to aldehyde product are obtained by the practice of the present invention.