Catalysis Letters, Vol.54, No.4, 199-205, 1998
Palladium-catalyzed hydroesterification of propene into methyl 2-methylpropanoate at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Influence of various parameters on the activity and selectivity of the reaction
The hydroesterification of propene into methyl 2-methylpropanoate by homogeneous catalytic systems consisting of palladium, copper, oxygen and acid is investigated under very mild conditions (room temperature, atmospheric pressure). From experimental results it appears that : (i) very high selectivities (up to 95%) into the branched ester can be obtained; (ii) the presence of CuCl2 and O-2 as final reoxidant of palladium is required; (iii) the activity increases with partial pressure of O-2 in the gas phase.