Selective production of C2-oxygenate esters from synthesis gas using mixed metal homogeneous catalysts

Abstract

C₂-Oxygenate esters, particularly ethylene glycol diacetate, may be prepared in high selectivity directly from synthesis gas in the presence of composite homogeneous catalysts which contain mixtures of ruthenium and rhodium, as major and minor components respectively, together with promoters in the form of nitrogen-containing bases or alkali metal cations, in acetic acid as solvent.