Cis-[RhI(CO)(Ph2PCH2P(S)Ph2)]: a new catalyst for methanol carbonylation

Abstract

The complex cis-[[graphic omitted]Ph₂)] is eight times more active than the classic Monsanto catalyst [RhI₂(CO)₂]^– for the carbonylation of methanol at 185 °C offering the first promoted system effective under conditions which allow industrially realistic rates; the X-ray crystal structure of the analogue cis-[[graphic omitted]Ph₂)] is reported together with in situ spectroscopic evidence for species in the catalytic cycle.