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.