A bidentate phosphite ligand having the following structure: Formula (I) wherein each R.sup.1 group is an alkyl group or an aryl group and the two R.sup.1 groups bonded to the same phosphorus atom may be interconnected, wherein, when each R.sup.1 group is an alkyl group, the two alkyl groups bonded to the same phosphorous atom are interconnected; and wherein each R.sup.2 group is an alkyl group.

A bidentate phosphite ligand comprises a backbone having a structure of acenaphthene-1,2-diol in which the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups have each been replaced by a P(OR.sup.1).sub.2 group, where R.sup.1 is an aryl radical. When combined with a transition metal, such as nickel, the ligand provides a catalyst complex useful in hydrocyanation and other reactions.

A bidentate phosphite ligand comprises a backbone having a structure of acenaphthene-1,2-diol in which the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups have each been replaced by a P(OR.sup.1).sub.2 group, where R.sup.1 is an aryl radical. When combined with a transition metal, such as nickel, the ligand provides a catalyst complex useful in hydrocyanation and other reactions.

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 a bidentate phosphite ligand having one of the following structures: (I) and (II) and at least one transition metal.

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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 PN linkage, wherein the P and N atoms of the PN linkage are cach bonded to two other atoms.

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 PN linkage, wherein the P and N atoms of the PN linkage are cach bonded to two other atoms.

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 PN linkage, wherein the P and N atoms of the PN linkage are cach bonded to two other atoms.

A bidentate phosphite ligand comprises a backbone having a structure of acenaphthene-1,2-diol in which the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups have each been replaced by a P(OR.sup.1).sub.2 group, where R.sup.1 is an aryl radical. When combined with a transition metal, such as nickel, the ligand provides a catalyst complex useful in hydrocyanation and other reactions.

A bidentate phosphite ligand comprises a backbone having a structure of acenaphthene-1,2-diol in which the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups have each been replaced by a P(OR.sup.1).sub.2 group, where R.sup.1 is an aryl radical. When combined with a transition metal, such as nickel, the ligand provides a catalyst complex useful in hydrocyanation and other reactions.