Alkane acetates produced by oxidative esterification of olefins over transition metal borates in the presence of acetic acid

摘要

A process for the production of alkane acetates from olefins in the presence of a transition metal borate catalyst, oxygen and acetic acid alone via oxidative esterification is described. The reaction is conducted at a temperature in the range of 120° to 220° C. and a pressure of 1 atmosphere or greater. Alkane diacetates and hydroxy acetates are produced which may be used as precursors to alkylene oxides, alkylene glycols and other useful compounds.