One-step production of 1,3-propanediol from ethylene oxide and syngas with a catalyst with a N-heterocyclic ligand

A process for preparing 1,3-propanediol comprising the steps of:

• (a) contacting, in a reaction mixture, ethylene oxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, an inert reaction solvent, and a catalyst composition comprising:
• (i) one or more non-ligated cobalt carbonyl compounds;
• and
• (ii) a N-heterocyclic-ligated ruthenium carbonyl compound;
• and
• (b) heating said mixture to a temperature of from 30 to 150° C. and a pressure of from 100 to 4000 psi (690 to 27,580 kPa) for a time effective to produce a two-phase reaction product mixture comprising an upper phase comprising a major portion of the solvent, at least 50 wt % of the catalyst composition, plus unreacted ethylene oxide, and a lower phase, which comprises a major portion of 1,3-propanediol.