The [Rh-complex/HT-Act] catalyst was synthesized by the impregnation of HRhCO(PPh3)(3) [Rh-complex] on the Surface of activated hydrotalcite [HT-Act] and characterized by P-31 NMR, FT-IR, P-XRD and TGA, The multi-functional potential of [Rh-complex/HT-Act] catalyst was evaluated for the selective synthesis of 2-methylpentanol from ethylene employing hydroformylation,aldol condensation and hydrogenation reactions in single pot. The catalytic activity of [Rh-complex/HT-Act] was studied in detail as a function of Mg/Al molar ratio of [HT-Act], reaction temperature, partial pressure of ethylene, CO:H-2 ratio and nature of solvent used. The selectivity of 2-methylpentanol was observed it) increase from 56 to 79% on increasing the Mg/Al molar ratio of [HT-Act] from 1.5 to 3.5. Polar solvent such as methanol showed 86% selectivity for 2-methylpentanol as compared to non-polar solvents. Kinetic profiles of the various products [formed during the course of reaction were in agreement with the reaction pathway proposed to understand the role of each component of [Rh-complex/HT Act] catalyst for the formation of 2-methylpentanol. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.