Catalyst and solvent effects on the synthesis of acetic acid from methyl formate

Abstract

Methyl formate can be catalytically converted to acetic acid in the presence of transition metal compounds under carbon monoxide pressure. The nature of the metal catalyst, the promoter and the solvent are determining. Palladium and cobalt compounds associated with lithium iodide are the most efficient catalysts provided that the reaction is carried out in N-methylpyrrolidone under an adequate CO pressure.