An Attractive Synthetic Approach to Methyl Formate from Methanol via Methyl Nitrite

Catalytic synthesis of methyl formate has been investigated by a novel route starting from methyl nitrite in vapor phase. The acidic sites of the catalysts play a crucial role for the catalytic activity and the selectivity of formation of methyl formate. The H-Y zeolite catalyst gave higher yield and selectivity of the target product. This study provides a new approach for the synthesis of methyl formate from methanol via methyl nitrite.