Selectivity behavior in hydrocarbonylation of methyl acetate using homogeneous Rh complex catalyst

Abstract

Hydrocarbonylation of methyl acetate using various homogeneous transition metal complex catalysts has been studied. It was observed that Rh(CO)Cl(PPh₃)₂ was the most active and selective catalyst for ethylidene diacetate synthesis. The effect of the catalyst, methyl acetate, and methyl iodide concentrations; temperature; and partial pressures of CO, H₂, and various transition metal complexes as co-catalysts on the selectivity behavior has been studied. Palladium complexes were found to enhance the selectivity of ethylidene diacetate substantially. Catalyst concentration, partial pressures of CO and H₂, and temperature also influence the selectivity pattern substantially. On the basis of these results, a possible reaction mechanism is discussed.