Isobutyric acid prodn. from isopropyl formate - by Koch synthesis using mineral acid catalyst

摘要

Prodn. of isobutyric acid (I) from isopropyl formate (II) is effected by Koch synthesis in the presence of a strong mineral acid (esp. HF). The process gives high yields of (I) uncontaminated by other organic acids. The reaction is pref. effected at 20-150 (esp. 60-120) deg. C under a CO partial pressure of 1-100 bar. The HF (II) molar ratio is pref. 5-20:1. In an example, an autoclave was charged with (II) and a 10-fold molar excess of HF, pressurised to 150 bar with CO, and heated at 70 deg. C for 30 min. The yield of (I) as 98%.