Direct Conversion of Propylene Oxide to 3-Hydroxy Butyric Acid Using a Cobalt Carbonyl Ionic Liquid Catalyst

The reported catalytic system demonstrates the possibility of efficient mass production of 3-hydroxybutyric acid (3-HBA) from inexpensive raw materials. The direct coupling of propylene oxide, water, and CO was catalyzed by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cobalt tetracarbonyl ([Bmim][Co(CO)4]) ionic liquid to form 3-HBA with >99% conversion (49% selectivity) under mild conditions.