Abstract:
A catalyst comprising at least one nickel(O) complex which comprises at least one mono-, bi- or multidentate phosphonite ligand of the formula Ior salts and mixtures thereof, is prepared as described, and the catalysts are used to prepare mixtures of monoolefinic C5 mononitriles with nonconjugated C=C and C=N bonds by catalytic hydrocyanation of butadiene or of a 1,3-butadiene-containing hydrocarbon mixture in the presence of a catalyst of this type.