| abstract |
A catalyst system comprising cobalt, ruthenium, an iodine promoter and an organic phosphine ligand effectively catalyzes the reaction of acetals or ethers with syn gas to produce alcohols, glycols and/or glycol ethers as well as the subsequent reaction of such products with syn gas to produce monohydric or dihydric alcohols. The process achieves higher than heretofore achieved selectivity to desired products while maintaining catalyst stability. The homologation reaction can be carried out with or without an inert nonpolar cosolvent. |