2585. PARKER, P. T., AND HILLARD, G. O. (Standard Oil Development Co.). Oxo Synthesis Process. United States Patent 2,571,160, Oct. 16, 1951; appl. filed Oct. 25, 1946, Serial No. 705,706; 4 claims (Cl. 260-638).

In carrying out the oxo process utilizing a Co catalyst, considerable losses of catalyst substance occur in the formation of Co carbonyl and its subsequent removal from the reaction zone. This disadvantage is now overcome by utilizing 2 fixed-bed reaction zones in series, each reactor being packed with a supported Co-type catalyst. In operation, olefins are fed to the initial reactor through which synthesis gas is preferably recycled. The liquid oxo product thus obtained is passed to a 2d reactor through which H₂ is recycled. Co carried from the initial reactor as Co carbonyl is deposited on the catalyst support in the 2d reactor. After the Co in the 1^st reaction zone is depleted, the flow of the streams is reversed thus making it possible to operate continuously with a fixed-bed catalyst with substantially little loss of Co from the system. Small Co losses may be compenated for by introducing Co carbonyl or a Co salt of a fatty acid into the olefin feed. Also describes procedure whereby a single reactor may be employed for both the oxo and hydrogenation steps.