Process for the preparation of nonadecanediols

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of nonadecanediols by the hydroformylation of oleyl alcohol. Rhodium and salts of sulfonated or carboxylated triarylphosphines, which are soluble in organic media and insoluble in water, are used as hydroformylation catalysts. The hydroformylation product is then treated with a diluted solution of a base dissolved in water, the aqueous phase separated and the hydroformylation product treated with hydrogen at elevated temperature in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst.