Conversion of Primary Alcohols
and Aldehydes into Methyl Esters by Ruthenium-Catalysed
Hydrogen Transfer Reactions

Nathan A. Owston; Tracy D. Nixon; Alexandra J. Parker; Michael K. Whittlesey; Jonathan M. J. Williams

doi:10.1055/s-0028-1088026

PSP

Conversion of Primary Alcohols and Aldehydes into Methyl Esters by Ruthenium-Catalysed Hydrogen Transfer Reactions

Nathan A. Owston^a, Tracy D. Nixon^a, Alexandra J. Parker^b, Michael K. Whittlesey^a, Jonathan M. J. Williams*^a
^a Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
Fax: +44(1225)386231; e-Mail: j.m.j.williams@bath.ac.uk;
^b AstraZeneca, Global Process R&D, Avlon Works, Severn Road, Hallen, Bristol, BS10 7ZE, UK

Abstract

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Abstract

Alcohols and aldehydes are oxidised to the corresponding methyl esters by reaction with methanol in the presence of crotononitrile as a hydrogen acceptor using a catalyst combination of Ru(PPh₃)₃(CO)H₂ with xantphos.

Key words

alcohols - esters - ruthenium - catalysis - hydrogen transfer

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References

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