Processes for producing nitriles and phosphorus-containing catalysts for use in such processes

A process for the hydrocyanation of an organic compound containing at least one olefinic group comprising reacting the organic compound with hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a catalyst complex comprising at least one transition metal and an organic ligand containing at least one P—N linkage, wherein the P and N atoms of the P—N linkage are each bonded to two other atoms, wherein the nitrogen atom of the P—N linkage is either (i) bonded to at least one aryl group or (ii) forms part of an aromatic heterocyclic group, and wherein the phosphorus atom of the at least one P—N linkage is bonded to one further nitrogen atom and one further oxygen atom or bonded to two further nitrogen atoms or two further oxygen atoms, wherein each of the further nitrogen or oxygen atoms is bonded to an aryl group.

An organic ligand having one of the following structures:

A process for double bond isomerization of a monoethylenically unsaturated compound comprising contacting said compound with a catalyst complex comprising at least one transition metal and an organic ligand containing at least one P—N linkage, wherein the nitrogen atom of the P—N linkage is either (i) bonded to at least one aryl group or (ii) forms part of an aromatic heterocyclic group, and wherein the phosphorus atom of the at least one P—N linkage is bonded to one further nitrogen atom and one further oxygen atom or bonded to two further nitrogen atoms or two further oxygen atoms, wherein each of the further nitrogen or oxygen atoms is bonded to an aryl group.