| abstract |
Described is a homogeneous method for hydrogenating carboxylic acids and / or their derivatives in the presence of a catalyst comprising ruthenium, rhodium, iron, osmium or palladium and organic phosphine, wherein said hydrogenation is carried out in the presence of at least about 1 wt% water. Also described is a method for regenerating a catalyst comprising ruthenium, rhodium, iron, osmium or palladium and organic phosphine, wherein said regeneration is carried out in the presence of hydrogen and water. |