PROPYLENE PROCESS OPTIMIZES FEEDSTOCK USE.

An entirely new approach for hydroformylation of propylene with low pressure is described. This appoach is now in use at Union Carbide's Ponce, Puerto Rico, petrochemical complex. Key to increased process efficiency is a rhodium-based catalyst which improves feedstock use as compared to conventional cobalt catalysts. In addition to its benefit of low-pressure operation, the rhodium-based catalyst offers high selectivity and high reaction rates with no significant losses.