Carbonylation of benzyl halides using bis(triphenylphosphine)cobalt dichloride under phase transfer catalysis

Article abstract of DOI:10.1080/00397919408010179

Using Co(PPh(a))₂Cl₂ as catalyst, the carbonylation of benzyl halide with CO (1 atm) in a binary system (aq.NaOH/C₈H₈) in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide as phase transfer catalyst for 10 h gives the corresponding carboxylic acid in good to excellent yields. The effects of phase transfer catalyst and reaction temperature on the reactions have been investigated. The reaction mechanism is briefly discussed.