Three step auto-tandem catalysed hydroesterification: Access to linear fruity esters from piperylene

• First auto-tandem isomerisation hydroesterification reaction cascade.
• Highly active palladium catalysts provide access to fruity esters.
• High linear/branched rations up to 12.6:1.
• Further insights into the reaction cascade by applying different intermediates.

A convenient and selective access to saturated hexanoic esters via hydroesterification of piperylene with synthesis gas and methanol is presented. This is the first three step auto-tandem hydroesterification, which is 100% atom economic proceeding under mild conditions. Our optimisations revealed Pd2(dba)3/1,2-dtbpmb as the best catalytic system. Besides, the reaction also tolerates several alcohols, which offers a broad range of fruity esters. In addition, we present insights into the reaction sequence, investigating whether the reaction proceeds via two- or three-step reaction cascade.

First three step auto-tandem catalysed hydroesterification of piperylene with synthesis gas provides access to linear fruity esters in high selectivities.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (123 K)Download as PowerPoint slide