Direct Hydrogenation of Carboxylic Acids to Corresponding Aldehydes Catalyzed by Palladium Complexes in the Presence of Pivalic Anhydride

Carboxylic acids are catalytically hydrogenated into corresponding aldehydes by palladium complexes in the presence of pivalic (trimethylacetic) anhydride under H2. Less hindered aliphatic and aromatic acids are reduced to aldehydes in high yields. The method is also applicable to hydrogenation of dibasic carboxylic acids and carboxylic acids containing heterocyclic groups.