METHOD OF PREPARING C-C CARBOXYLIC ACIDS OR ESTERS THEREOF Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: chemical industry. SUBSTANCE: C₂-C₁₁ carboxylic acids or esters thereof are prepared by reacting carbon monoxide with at least one reagent selected from among alcohols, alkyl halides, esters or esters in the presence of catalyst system comprising at least one iridium compound or at least one compound comprising both these metals, and at least one halogen- containing promoter. Total rhodium and iridium concentration in reaction mixture is 0.1-100 mmol/l, preferably 1-10 mmole/l. Reaction is carried out in the presence of not higher than 14 wt % water in terms of total weight of reaction mixture. Improved catalyst system makes it possible to reduce consumption of rare metals and does not require using stabilizing agents. EFFECT: more efficient preparation method. 10 cl, 3 tbl