| abstract |
A process for the hydrogenation of esters into alcohols which comprises converting esters of the formulan wherein R₁ is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, preferably an alkyl group containing 1-20 carbon atoms or an aryl alkyl group containing 1-6 carbon atoms in the alkyl residue, the aryl being preferably phenyl, and R₂ is a hydrocarbyl group as specified hereinbefore for R₁, in the presence of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and a catalyst system, obtainable by combining the following componentsn (a) a hydride of an alkali metal and/or a hydride of an alkaline earth metal, (b) an alcohol or an alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal alcoholate thereof, and (c) a nickel salt, and allowing these components to react. |