The use of Co(RCOO)(2) as catalyst precursors makes it possible to syn
thesize aldehydes C4H9CHO and alcohols C4H9CH2OH containing iso-alkyl
groups from isobutylene and syngas. In this paper, the effects of the
unsaturated substrate and cobalt concentrations on the reaction rates
were studied. The rate equation was derived on the basis of the mechan
ism proposed. It was postulated that this mechanism includes the steps
of catalyst formation and olefin hydroformylation. The rate equation
accounts for the effects of basic factors on the reaction rate.