A NOVEL SYNTHETIC METHOD OF ACETALS FROM OLEFINS AND ALKYL NITRITES WITH PALLADIUM CATALYSTS

We have developed a novel method of acetal synthesis from olefins and alkyl nitrites in high yield using palladium catalysts in the liquid-p hase reaction. The conversion of acrylonitrile into acetal was especia lly reported in this paper. We have found that palladium, halide ion ( Cl-, Br-), alkyl nitrites and alcohols were essential in the reaction. The molar ratio of halide ion/Pd remarkably influenced the reaction r ate of acetalization. The reaction rate was faster than that of Wacker -type oxidative reactions. The reaction mechanism will be proposed.