Borate Esters as Alternative Acid Promoters in the Palladium‐Catalyzed Methoxycarbonylation of Ethylene

Abstract

Out with convention! The use of borosalicylic acid, derived from boric and salicylic acids, as the acid promoter in the methoxycarbonylation of ethylene to give methyl propionate has been investigated (see scheme). Not only was moderate catalyst activity observed, but much lower formation of phosphonium salts occurred than with conventional acids. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2007/z603751_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.