| abstract |
The invention relates to a method for the production of aldehydes or aldehydes and alcohols by hydroformylation of olefins in the presence of a complexing catalyst homogeneously dissolved in a reaction mixture, containing a metal of Group VIIIa of the periodic table of the elements and a phosphorus-free, polydentate nitrogen compound suitable for complex formation as ligand at temperatures ranging from 50 to 100 DEG C and pressures from 20 to 1,000 bar and recirculating the catalyst complex in the hydroformylation reaction, wherein a) derivatized polyamines are used that are substantially non-water soluble and suitable for complex formation and have a mean molecular weight of more than 1,000 Dalton and at least 10 nitrogen atoms; b) the catalyst complex remaining in the bottom of the distillation column and the excess ligands obtained from the reaction mixture are recirculated totally or partially in the hydroformylation once the hydroformylation reaction and the separation or partial separation by distillation of the aldehydes and the alcohols has been completed; c) continuos or at least batchwise evacuation of at least part of the high boiler from the bottom of the distillation of the reaction mixture is then carried out. |