| abstract |
A process for preparing 1,3-alkanediols and 3-hydroxyaldehydes by hydroformylating an oxirane with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of one or more Group VIII metal-based hydroformylation catalysts, and in the presence of an organic solvent, wherein the hydroformylation product is separated by extraction with an aqueous liquid under a carbon monoxide atmosphere. The process enables the production of 1,3-propanediol in high yields and selectivity with the recovery and recycle of essentially all of the hydroformylation catalyst. |