Patent ID: 7078555
Filing Date: 2006-07-18
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
1. A process for producing a compond of the formula NC—CH 2 —CH 2 —CH 2 —CH 2 —CO 2 R′, wherein R′ is H or C 1 to C 12 alkyl, comprising: contacting 3-pentenenitrile with a nucleophile wherein the nucleophile is R′OH or water, wherein R′is a C 1 to C 12 alkyl, and carbon monoxide, in the presence of a Group VIII metal; a diphosphine ligand; and a promoter, wherein, when the nucleophile is R′OH, the ligand is selected from Ligand 1 or Ligand 2 below and said promoter comprises a strong acid having a pKa in water of less than 1 or, when the nucleophile is water, the ligand is selected from the formula below, wherein X is a substituted or unsubstituted bridging group selected from the group consisting of a divalent aryl, a divalent alkylene group, and a divalent combination of alkylene and aromatic groups; and and said promoter comprises a strong acid having a pKa in water of less than 1 and at least one carboxylic acid.