Ruthenium-catalysed domino hydroformylation-hydrogenation-esterification of olefins

A novel catalytic domino reductive hydroformylation-esterification of olefins is reported. The optimal protocol makes use of an inexpensive Ru carbonyl catalyst and uses acetic acid as both solvent and reactant. In general, moderate to good yields are obtained using aliphatic or aromatic olefins including industrially relevant di-isobutene. This atom-efficient catalytic transformation provides straightforward access to various acetate esters from unfunctionalized olefins. Aliphatic esters are made easily from acetic acid, olefins, and synthesis gas. In the presence of ruthenium-phosphine complexes novel domino-hydroformylation-hydrogenation-esterification proceeds in moderate to good yields.