Catalytic synthesis of n‐butyl acrylate from acetylene, carbon monoxide and n‐butanol under high pressure

The reaction of acetylene, carbon monoxide and n‐butanol to form n‐butyl acrylate has been studied with several catalysts under a wide range of operating variables. Nickel iodide‐silica gel (Ni:SiO2 = 50:50) is the most effective catalyst with 80.3% conversion of acetylene to the ester. Nickel acetate‐silica gel (Ni:SiO2 = 50:50) is also a good catalyst (63% conversion). Other reaction products found were carbon dioxide, acrylic acid, acetaldehyde, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, and polymeric products.