Synthesis of carboxylic acid derivatives under acid catalysis conditions from carbon monoxide, olefins, and acylating compounds

Abstract

1. The carbonylation of C6-C7 olefins of normal structure with carbon monoxide in the presence of BF3·H2O or BF3·H3PO4 leads to the predominant formation ofα,α-dimethylalkanoic andα-methyl-α-ethylalkanoic acids, which contain one C atom more than the olefin. From 1-hexene in the presence of BF3·nCH3OH are formed mainly the methyl esters of these acids, while from primary C6-C7 alcohols of normal structure in the presence of BF3 hydrates are formed predominantly the starting alcohol esters of the indicated acids. 2. Of the employed complexes the BF3 hydrates are the most active and selective catalysts as regards the formation of carboxylic acids, containing a tertiary carbon atom in theα-position, from olefins.