| abstract |
The present invention relates to formaldehyde, a) a rhodium source, and b) a ligand of the general formula R 1 P—R 2 (I), wherein R 1 is a divalent group and is bound to a phosphorus atom Together with an optionally substituted 2-phospha-tricyclo [3.3.1.1 {3,7}] decyl group, in which 1 to 5 carbon atoms are replaced by heteroatoms R 2 is a monovalent group, which is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms) in the presence of a catalyst composition Provided is a method for preparing glycolaldehyde by reacting formaldehyde with hydrogen and carbon monoxide, a catalyst composition for use in the method, and a method for preparing ethylene glycol from glycolaldehyde thus prepared |