The Carbonylation of Alcohols Catalyzed by Cu(I) Carbonyl

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Abstract
In conc. H2SO4 containing the Cu(I) compound, alcohols react with carbon monoxide at room temperature and atmospheric pressure to produce tert-carboxylic acids in high yields. Primary carboxylic acid is not formed. It is assumed that the unstable Cu(I) tricarbonyl ion, Cu(CO)3+, is transiently formed in conc. H2SO4. An amount of the Cu(I) compound as small as 0.2 mol/1 is sufficient. The catalyst is effective at H2SO4 concentrations above 80%. The reaction rate decreases with a decrease in the H2SO4 concentration. At H2SO4 concentrations of less than 80%, no carboxylic acids are obtained.