Preparation of predominantly unbranched higher primary alcohol

PURPOSE: To obtain predominantly unbranched higher primary alcohols by carrying out Fisher-Tropsch reaction of olefins with CO and H 2 in the presence of water, rhodiums and a specified water-soluble phosphine, in liquid phase at a specified temp. and under a specified pressure. CONSTITUTION: Olefins (pref. 6-20C ones) are reacted with CO and H 2 in the presence of water, an R or Rh compd. and water-soluble phosphine in liquid phase at 20-150°C under a pressure of 0.1-20 MPa, to obtain aldehydes. Then, aldehydes are hydrogenated, to obtain predominantly unbranched higher primary alcohols. The water-soluble phosphine whose anion is a phosphine contg. at least one sulfonated or carboxylated arom. radical and whose cation or cations, corresponding to the charge of the anion, is or are one or more ions of the formula (Z is N or S; A is alkyl or aralkyl; B-D are each alkyl) is used. As anion, 3,4-dimethyl-2,5,6-tris(p-sulphonatephenyl)-1-phosphanorbornadiene, etc., are exemplified. As cation, trimethylcetylammonium ion, etc., are exemplified. COPYRIGHT: (C)1994,JPO