Rhodium‐Catalyzed Reductive Carbonylation of Methyl Formate to Acetaldehyde

Abstract
The title reaction provides a selective route to acetaldehyde; rhodium compounds in combination with iodide‐containing promoters serve as catalysts. Tertiary amides such as N‐methylpyrrolidone (NMP)—used here as solvent—are indispensible for achieving high activity and high selectivity (up to ca. 80%). Mainly methanol and methyl acetate are formed as by‐products. equation image