Method for producing branched carbonylation products from alpha unsaturated olefins

摘要

A novel method for producing branched carboxylic acids or esters from alpha-unsaturated olefins is disclosed. Such olefins are reacted with a novel, sterically hindered, ortho substituted phenylphosphine palladium halide catalysts in the presence of water or primary or secondary alcohols to produce high branched end product yields. Such catalysts have phosphine ligand cone angles of between about 170 DEG and 180 DEG . Tris(o-methoxyphenyl)phosphine palladium halide and o-trifluoromethylphenyldiphenylphosphine palladium halide catalysts are preferred.