Nobuo Isogai

Homologation of methanol with a new cobalt phosphine carbonyl complex catalyst

Abstract A new cobalt phosphine carbonyl complex has been prepared by treating a mixture of Co2(CO)8 and tri-n-butylphosphine with synthesis gas. The structure of the complex was shown to be Co(CO)3PBu3PBu2(O) on the basis of 1H, 13C and 31P NMR, IR, and mass spectral data, molecular weight determination and elemental analysis. The complex was found to be a very effective catalyst for the homologation of methanol, exhibiting high activity and high ethanol selectivity.