Carbonylation of alkanol to alkanoic acid and ester - using heterogeneous phthalocyanine catalyst with alkyl halide promoter

摘要

Carbonylation of a lower alkanol with CO is carried out at 100-250 degrees C and 1-200 atmos. in presence of a catalyst system consisting of a Co, Rh or Ir phthalocyanine (I) plus an alkyl halide (II) as promoter. Where (II) does not contain a sulphonic acid or sulphonate substit. then a second promoter (III) is present i.e. a (cyclo)alkane-or arene- sulphonic acid, or an alkali(ne earth) or NH4 sulphonate. (II) is esp. CH3I and (III) toluene or benzene-sulphonic acid. Esp. (I) is sulphonated chlororhodium phthalocyanine or Rh (III) phthalocyanine tetrasulphonate. The prods. are esters and acids variously useful as solvents, intermediates for rubbers, plastics, pharmaceuticals, insecticides etc. Good yields are achieved in a continuous process using heterogeneous catalysts.