A unique palladium catalyst for efficient and selective alkoxycarbonylation of olefins with formates.

Forget about CO! Carbonylations are among the most important homogeneously catalyzed reactions in the chemical industry, but typically require carbon monoxide. Instead, straightforward and efficient alkoxycarbonylations of olefins can proceed with alkyl formates in the presence of a specific palladium catalyst. Aromatic, terminal aliphatic, and internal olefins are carbonylated to give industrially important linear esters at low catalyst loadings.