HYDROFORMYLATION CATALYSIS BY ARYLPHOSPHINE COMPLEXES OF RHODIUM

Olefins can catalytically react with hydrogen and carbon monoxide, using the complex Rh(P)2(CO)Cl as a homogeneous liquid-phase catalyst, to produce aldehydes selectively (>99 mole %). Normal reaction conditions of 100° to 125° C. and about 500-p.s.i.g. total reactor pressure are employed. The significant differences between the present catalyst system and others reported in the literature are catalyst stability and very high selectivity for aldehyde. No hydrogenation reactions occur in conjunction with the hydroformylation reaction which might result in formation of alcohols and/or paraffin even at high H2/CO ratios and high hydrogen partial pressure. When α-olefin feedstocks are employed, isomerization reactions can be effectively controlled to yield aldehydes having a linear content of 75 to 80%—e.g., normal aldehyde. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.