Disclosed are catalyst solutions for the hydroformylation of formaldehyde
comprising one or more fluorophosphite compounds, rhodium and a
hydroformylation solvent comprising at least one N,N-disubstituted amide,
N-substituted cyclic amide, or a mixture thereof. Also disclosed are
hydroformylation processes wherein formaldehyde is contacted with carbon
monoxide, hydrogen one or more fluorophosphite compounds, rhodium and a
hydroformylation solvent to produce glycolaldehyde. The
fluorophosphite-based catalysts provide good reaction rates and high
selectivity to glycolaldehyde.