Preparation of glycols and ethers

摘要

This invention concerns a process of making alkylene glycols and their ethers which comprises contacting a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen with a bimetallic catalyst system comprising ruthenium(III) acetylacetonate and rhodium(III) acetylacetonate dispersed in a low melting quaternary phosphonium or ammonium base or salt at a pressure of 500 psi or greater and at a temperature of at least 150 DEG C. for a sufficient time to provide said glycols and ethers.