Selective reduction of dimethyl oxalate by ruthenium carbonyl carboxylates in homogeneous phase Part IV

Abstract

Ethylene glycol may be obtained selectively from dimethyl oxalate by hydrogenation in homogeneous phase in the presence of Ru 2(CO) 4(CH 3COO) 2(P tPr 3) 2. In order to avoid decomposition of the substrate the hydrogenation must be carried out at 120 °C to completely convert the oxalic diester and then at 180 °C to hydrogenate the intermediate methyl glycolate.