Catalytic synthesis of n‐propyl acrylate from acetylene, carbon monoxide and n‐propanol under pressure

The high‐pressure synthesis of n‐propyl acrylate from acetylene, carbon monoxide and n‐propanol has been studied in detail. Nickel iodide–silica gel (Ni : SiO2 = 50 : 50) and nickel acetate–silica gel (Ni : SiO2 = 50 : 50) were the most active catalysts (yields 58.78%, 55.54% respectively on acetylene input basis). Besides n‐propyl acrylate, the reaction product contains acrylic acid, acetaldehyde, liquid hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, ethylene and other unsaturated hydrocarbons.