Process for the carbonylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds, novel carbonylation ligands and catalyst systems incorporating such ligands

Abstract

A novel bidentate catalytic ligand of general formula (I) is described. R represents a hydrocarbyl aromatic structure having at least one aromatic ring to which Qand Qare each linked, via the respective linking group, if present, on available adjacent atoms of the at least one aromatic ring. The groups Xand Xrepresent radicals joined via tertiary carbon atoms to the respective atom Qand the groups Xand Xrepresent radicals joined via primary, or substituted aromatic ring carbon atom(s) to the respective atom Q. A and B represent an optional lower alkylene linking group. Qand Qeach represent phosphorus, arsenic or antimony. A process for the carbonylation of ethylenically unsaturated compounds comprising reacting the compound with carbon monoxide in the presence of a source of hydroxyl groups, optionally, a source of anions and catalyst system obtainable by combining a metal of Group 8, 9 or 10 or a compound thereof and the bidentate ligand of general formula (I) is also described.