Single-step synthesis of acetic acid (methyl acetate) from methanol alone by Ru(II)-Sn(II) hetero-bimetallic catalysts

Single-step conversion of methanol into acetic acid (methyl acetate) has been found possible by use of Ru(II)-Sn(II) hetero-bimetallic catalysts. By analyzing the homogeneous solution reactions, reaction paths are elucidated. Applications of lacunary heteropolyanions as model oxide ligands and of Y-type zeolite as a unique support for the gas-phase reaction are presented.