A continuous process for the production an aldehyde by hydroformylation of an optionally substituted alpha-olefin comprises:
providing a hydroformylation zone containing a charge of a liquid reaction medium having dissolved therein a complex rhodium hydroformylation catalyst comprising rhodium in complex combination with carbon monoxide and with a cyclic phosphite having a bridgehead phosphorus atom linked to three oxygen atoms at least two of which form together with the bridgehead phosphorus atom part of a ring;
supplying said alpha-olefin to the hydroformylation zone;
maintaining temperature and pressure conditions in the hydroformylation zone conducive to hydroformylation of the alpha-olefin;
supplying make-up hydrogen and carbon monoxide to the hydroformylation zone; and
recovering from the liquid hydroformylation medium a hydroformylation product comprising at least one aldehyde.