A PROCESS FOR CONVERTING FORMATE ESTERS TO CARBOXYLIC ACIDS

摘要

A process for converting formic acid esters or transesterification products thereof to carboxylic acids comprising contacting a formic acid ester of the formula (HCOO)n-R where R is aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aralkyl and n is 1 or 2 with a catalytically effective amount of a soluble iridium salt and an iodide promoter at a temperature of from about 100 DEG C. to about 300 DEG C. in the presence of an organic solvent containing at least one carboxylic acid.