Kinetics and selectivity of the rhodium complex catalysed carbonylation of isopropyl alcohol

Abstract

The rhodium-complex catalysed carbonylation of secondary alcohols, exemplified by isopropyl alcohol, has been investigated. The dependence of rate on reaction parameters is in accord with the previous suggested mechanism for the carbonylation of primary alcohols. The thermodynamic activation parameters differ markedly from the corresponding values for primary alcohols.

The ratio between the two carbonylation products, n- and iso-butyric acid, is given as a function of reaction conditions.