High‐Performance RuCl₃ Catalyst Systems for Hydro‐Esterification of Methyl Formate and Ethylene

Abstract

Summary of main observation and conclusion RuCl3 catalyst system has many advantages for the hydro‐esterification of methyl formate and ethylene to methyl propionate. However, the unsatisfied performance restricts the development of this route. In this work, high‐performance RuCl3 catalyst systems (RuCl3‐[PPN]Cl‐Et4NI and RuCl3‐NaI) are firstly reported for this reaction. In RuCl3‐[PPN]Cl‐Et4NI catalyst system, the conversion of methyl formate and the selectivity to methyl propionate are 93.9% and 90.9% at mild reaction conditions (165°C, 2.5 MPa), respectively. Noticeably, a simple inorganic RuCl3‐NaI catalyst system achieves 88.8% conversion of methyl formate and 97.6% selectivity to methyl propionate (86.7% yield) at same conditions. NaI, as a promoter, may inhibit the decomposition of methyl formate and be conducive to the formation of methyl propionate. The effects of solvents and promoters are investigated in detail. In addition, the reaction mechanism has been also analyzed. It is hoped to lay a certain foundation for further industrial application.

A RuCl3 complex catalytic system for hydroesterification of ethylene, carbon monoxide, and ethanol

“…According to the work of Gómez‐Benítez et al, 35 DMF and Ru 3+ are coordinated to generate a new soluble complex, and the corresponding coordination atoms are the Ru atom and O atom in the amide structure of DMF. Li et al 36 also demonstrated that DMF and Ru 3+ are coordinated to generate a coordination compound. In order to verify the coordination between DMF and RuCl 3 in the process of reaction, 0.1876 g RuCl 3 is added to 20 mL DMF, completely reacting at room temperature and 180°C for 4 h to prepare liquid and solid samples.…”