Formation of Methyl Acrylate from CO₂ and Ethylene via Methylation of Nickelalactones

Abstract

The nickel-induced coupling of ethylene and CO2 represents a promising pathway toward acrylates. To overcome the high bond dissociation energies of the M−O moieties, we worked out an in situ methylation of nickelalactones to realize the β-hydride elimination and the liberation of the acrylate species.