Chemical conversions using sheet silicates: facile ester synthesis by direct addition of acids to alkenes

Abstract

Ethene and acetic acid react in the interlamellar regions of certain cation (e.g. Al³⁺)-exchanged montmorillonites to yield ethyl acetate as the sole product, and a variety of carboxylic acids readily add to C₂–C₈ alkenes at temperatures above 100 °C to yield the corresponding esters in high and selective yields.