Carbonylation of tert-butyl alcohol over H-zeolites

The Koch-type carbonylation of tert-butyl alcohol was studied over H-type zeolites. It was found that the catalytic carbonylation of a large amount of tert-butyl alcohol relative to the acidic sites of the H-zeolites in organic solvents requires an elevated temperature and CO pressure, although previous solid state NMR studies have revealed that the transformation of tert-butyl alcohol of an amount comparable to the acidic sites into 2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid proceeds just upon the CO co-adsorption in the H-zeolites at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The catalytic performance of different H-zeolites and the influence of CO pressure, H₂O addition and solvent effects on the carbonylation of tert-butyl alcohol have been investigated. H-ZSM-5 gives the highest selectivity for 2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid due to its adequate pore dimensions. The present work indicates the possible industrial application of solid acids as carbonylation catalysts instead of liquid acids for the Koch reaction to produce tert-carboxylic acids.