Synthesis of ketones and esters from olefins, carbon monoxide and alcohols by using ruthenium-iodide catalysts

Ruthenium-iodide systems have been found to catalyze the reaction of olefins, carbon monoxide and alcohols to give esters and ketones. In the carbonylation of ethylene with methanol, use of covalent iodides such as PhI and CH 3 I produces a mixture of methyl propionate and diethyl ketone, the ratio of which depends upon the I/Ru ratio. On the other hand, use of ionic iodides such as NaI gives methyl propionate selectively, and the catalytic activities of the systems increase with increasing concentration of the iodides. Possible mechanisms for these reactions are presented.