Rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of esters from aryl iodides and alcohols: use of alcohols with/without the assistance of aldehydes as carbon monoxide and nucleophile sources

Abstract

A CO-gas-free rhodium-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of aryl iodide with alcohols has been developed. Alcohols, with/without the aid of an aldehyde, were used as a carbon monoxide and nucleophile source. The former synthesis afforded better yields of the alkoxycarbonylated products. Moreover, phenols also afforded phenoxycarbonylation products with high yields.