Homologation of Methyl Esters Catalyzed by Ruthenium–Cobalt Bimetallic Systems

Reactions of methyl esters such as methyl acetate with synthesis gas have been investigated by use of the mixed clusters such as [Et4N][RuCo3(CO)12] and [Et4N][Ru3Co(CO)13] or a combination of Ru(acac)3 and Co2(CO)8 as catalyst and methyl iodide as promoter. In the homologation of methyl acetate, the catalytic activity for formation of ethyl acetate was much improved when both ruthenium and cobalt existed in the reaction system.