HYDROFORMYLATION OF PROPYLENE: 

THE OXO REACTION (Butyraldehydes)

The reaction of propylene with CO and H₂ produces n butyraldehyde as the main product. Isobutyraldehyde is a by-product:

Figure 1.1 shows the homogeneous Hoechst and Rhone Poulenc process using rhodium catalyst.

 Butyraldehydes are usually hydrogenated to the corresponding alcohols. They are also intermediates for other chemicals. The following reviews some of the important chemicals based on butyraldehydes.

Figure 1.1. The Hoechst AG and Rhone Poulenc process for producing butyraldehydes from propene: (1) reactor, (2) catalyst separation, (3) stripper  using fresh syngas to strip unreacted propylene to recycle), (4) distillation.