Catalytic carbonylation of benzylic and allylic bromides by a rhodium zwitterionic complex under phase transfer catalysis conditions

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(94)00001-S

The zwitterionic rhodium complex, (COD)Rh(η⁶-C6H5BPh3) (1), can catalyze the carbonylation of benzylic and allylic bromides in the presence of 5 N NaOH and CH2Cl2 at atmospheric pressure and 40 deg C, with (C6H13)4N⁺ HSO4^- as the phase transfer catalyst, to give carboxylic esters as the major products. Keywords: Rhodium; Carbonylation; Zwitterionic complex; Phase transfer catalysis