The first examples of selective carbonylation of n-butane and n-pentane

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(99)01125-9

The polyhalomethane based superelectrophilic systems allowed us to accomplish the first efficient and selective carbonylation of n-butane and n- pentane with CO. Depending on the nature of the superelectrophilic system, Me₃CCOOR or EtCH(Me)COOR (R = H, Alk) can be obtained at -20°C, 1 atm from n-butane and CO after water (α alcohol) treatment in = 90% yield based on the superelectrophilic system. Pentane reacts with CO in the presence d the CBr₄ · 2AlBr₃ superacid to give a single product, EtC(Me)₂COOR, in almost quantitative yield.