Palladium-Catalyzed Selective Generation of CO from Formic Acid for Carbonylation of Alkenes

A general and selective palladium-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of all kinds of alkenes with formic acid (HCOOH, FA) is described. Terminal, di-, tri-, and tetra-substituted including functionalized olefins are converted into linear esters with high yields and regioselectivity. Key-to-success is the use of specific palladium catalysts containing ligands with built-in base, e.g., L5. Comparison experiments demonstrate that the active catalyst system not only facilitates isomerization and carbonylation of alkenes but also promotes the selective decomposition of HCOOH to CO under mild conditions.