Dominique Nobel

Rhodium/iridium catalyzed synthesis of carboxylic acids or esters thereof

Process for the preparation of a carboxylic acid or ester thereof. The process includes reacting at least one alcohol, alkyl or aryl halide, ether or ester, with carbon monoxide, in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of at least one rhodium compound or rhodium metal, at least one iridium compound or iridium metal, or at least one mixed rhodium/iridium compound, and at least one halogen-containing promoter therefor.