Direct hydroesterification of ethylene with methyl formate with the new system RuCl3–NR4I–NR3: an example of catalytic activation of the CH bond of methyl formate?

Abstract

Upon using the simple RuCl₃–NR₄I–NR₃ catalytic combination and dimethylformamide as solvent, an exceptionally reactive system is obtained for direct hydroesterification of ethylene with methyl formate (turnover frequency up to 2000 h^–1) in the absence of carbon monoxide.