abstract |
A process for producing linear aldehydes or alcohols from olefins using a mixed transition metal hydroformylation catalyst wherein the catalyst comprises a mixture of transition metal compounds wherein the first component is an anionic transition metal catalyst having a charge of at least -2. The formula of the anionic compound is generally defined as M+n [HyAxLz]-n wherein A represents Fe, Ru, Os, W, Cr, Co, Rh, Ir or Mo, M is a cationic species, n is an integer greater than or equal to 2, x is an integer greater than or equal to 1, y is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and z is an integer generally corresponding to the number of available coordination bonding sites of A. The second component is a Group VIII compound, preferably a halide or carbonyl of the Group VIII compound. These compounds exhibit high selectivity toward linear products. |