Ruthenium-cobalt carbonyl catalysts for the dealkoxyhydroxymethylation of acetals to form glycol ethers

摘要

The cobalt carbonyl catalyst R.sup.5 CCo.sub.3 (CO).sub.9, desirably with Ru.sub.3 (CO).sub.12, wherein R.sup.5 is hydrogen; alkyl, preferably C.sub.1-5 lower alkyl; cycloalkyl or substituted cycloalkyl; cycloalkenyl, such as cyclohexenyl or cyclooctenyl; C.sub.1-12 alkoxy, such as methoxy or propoxy; aryl or alkyl-, cycloalkyl-, alkoxy-, halo-, or cyano- substituted aryl; cyano; or a silyl carbyne moiety of the formula R.sub.3. sup.6 Si, wherein R.sup.6 is alkyl or aryl, effectively catalyzes the dealkoxyhydroxymethylation of aldehyde acetals to form glycol monoethers. Methylal, for example, may be reacted with syngas; i.e. , CO and H.sub.2, in the presence of this catalyst system to form the corresponding ethylene glycol monomethyl ether.PPThe novel catalyst combination of R.sup.5 CCo.sub.3 (CO).sub.9 and Ru.sub.3 (CO).sub.12 is likewise claimed herein.