Novel Route for the Synthesis of Methyl Propionate from 3-Pentanone with Dimethyl Carbonate over Solid Bases

Abstract

A novel and simple route for the synthesis of methyl propionate by the methoxycarbonylation of 3-pentanone with dimethyl carbonate in the presence of solid base catalysts was developed. Solid bases with moderate strength (such as MgO) facilitated the formation of methyl propionate, and the yield of methyl propionate could be linearly correlated with the amount of moderate basic sites. The function of basic catalysts was mainly attributed to the activation of 3-pentanone through the abstraction of the α-H by base sites.

Conversion of CO2 to Valuable Chemicals: Organic Carbonate as Green Candidates for the Replacement of Noxious Reactants

“…However, the presence of the alkoxide in the reaction medium leads to the retro-Claisen reaction, which, via CdC cleavage, provides two esters (Scheme 7.16) [58]. This pathway has been successfully used to provide industrial relevant esters, such as methylpropionate, which can be obtained by reactions between 3-pentanone and DMC in batch conditions [59]. Similarly, by reaction of DMC and cyclic aliphatic ketones (such as cyclopentanone and cyclohexanone) the α,ω-diesthers (Scheme 7.17) could be obtained (dimethyladipate and dimethylpimelate, respectively), which are useful chemicals serving as monomers for polyamides production [60,61].…”

Ru–CeO2 Nanocatalysts with Weak Metal–Support Interactions for Ethylene Methoxycarbonylation

“…Researchers have shown strong interest in the carbonylation of unsaturated substrates to synthesize new carbon–carbon bonds, , especially since the 1990s, when alkoxycarbonylation of olefins became a practical method for preparing a variety of commercial chemicals. − One of these is methyl propionate, which is widely used as an intermediate chemical , as it can undergo a series of chemical reactions to produce fine chemicals such as acids, esters, and amides. , Methyl propionate is an intermediate product of methyl methacrylate, which can be further polymerized to synthesize higher value-added chemicals. − …”

Effect of Carbon Modification on Properties of NiMo/γ-Al2O3 and Its Catalytic Performance in the Hydrogenation of Methyl Acrylate

“…Methyl propionate (MP) is an important industrial raw material for the production of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and coatings. In addition, MP has many industrial applications for the synthesis of methyl methacrylate (MMA), which is the main monomer for the production of aerospace glass, optical fiber, high-performance optical lenses, electronic information devices, robots, and other major strategic materials. − Until now, the reported methods for preparation of MP include esterification of propionic acid with methanol, oxidative esterification between n -propanol (or propanal) and methanol, and vinyl carbonylation. , However, the yield of MP obtained through oxidative esterification and carbonylation is relatively low, and the preparation process is complicated, which are not beneficial for industrial production. Recently, the process route of preparing MP by methyl acrylate (MA) hydrogenation has attracted more attention because of its clean production process.…”