A study of the Koch synthesis of carboxylic acids

Abstract

The Koch carboxylic acid synthesis with formic and sulphuric acids has been applied to oct-1-ene, 2-methylheptan-2-ol, n-pentylcyclopropane, and related cyclopropanes. Mass spectral breakdown shows that oct-1-ene and the cyclopropanes lead mainly to acids of the structural type Me₂C(R)·CO₂H and MeEtC(R)·CO₂H. Example of Koch synthesis with transannular cyclisation are described, and data relating to the laboratory use of carbon monoxide in place of formic acid are presented.