Highly selective formation of linear esters from terminal and internal alkenes catalysed by palladium complexes of bis-(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)benzene

The methoxycarbonylation of terminal or internal alkenes catalysed by palladium complexes of bis-(di-tert-butylphosphinomethyl)benzene under mild conditions leads to linear esters in 99% selectivity via a hydride mechanism.