Malonic acid monoester and beta-keto-ester preparation from epoxide in high yield, for use as intermediates, by hydroesterification over cobalt compound catalyst followed by catalytic oxygenation

摘要

Preparation of malonic acid monoesters (MAME) and beta -keto-esters (BKE) from epoxide derivatives (I) involves: (a) reacting (I) with carbon monoxide and an alcohol in presence of a catalytic amount of a cobalt compound and an accelerator at 30-150 deg C and 50-3000 psig, to give a beta -hydroxyester and/or its derivative in a yield of 2-98 wt. %; (b) separating the product from the catalyst and accelerator; and (c) reacting with oxygen (or an oxygen-containing atmosphere) at 5-3000 psig and 10-300 deg C in presence of an oxidation catalyst.