Carbonylation of olefins and alcohols at atmospheric pressure in the presence of acid catalysts with added Ag2O or Cu2O

Abstract

1. The addition of Ag2O, Cu2O, Fe, and Rh at 0.02 mole% to the acid catalysts H2SO4, (BF3·H2O)·(BF3·H3PO4), and a 3∶1 mixture of BF3·2CH2ClCOOH+BF3·2CH3COOH in the carbonylation of olefins and alcohols increased the conversion of them into carboxylic acids (3–8 times). 2. On multiple use of the studied catalytic systems in the carbonylation of olefins and alcohols a fall in their activity was observed. 3. To achieve a high (∿70%) yield of carboxylic acids in the carbonylation of olefins and alcohols with carbon monoxide at atmospheric pressure, the presence of acid catalysts with a Hammett acidity value Ho⩾−7.0 is necessary in addition to Cu2O and Ag2O activating CO.