Applications of Homogeneous Water-gas Shift Reaction. IV. Hydrocarbonylation and Dimerization of Methyl Acrylate with CO and H2O

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/bcsj.55.2195

Hydrocarbonylation of methyl acrylate with CO and H2O forms dimethyl 4-oxopimelate in 94percent yield based on H2O, the Co2(CO)8-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (diphos) catalyst system being used as in the case of ethylene or propylene.Increasing temperature tends to promote the dimerization and/or hydrodimerization of methyl acrylate to give 1,3-bis(methoxycarbonyl)-1-butene and/or dimethyl-2-methylglutarate.Effects of CO pressure and H2O concentration on the hydrocarbonylation and dimerization were examined at 135 and 165 deg C.Catalytically active intermediates for the hydrocarbonylation take part in the dimerization of methyl acrylate.