Abstract: A series of 4-vinyl pyridine-methyl acrylate copolymer complexes with tetracarbonyldichlorodirhodium were prepared. Their structure characteristics and catalytic properties for methanol carbonylation to synthesize acetic acid have been studied. The macromolecular complexes containing cis-dicarbonyl rhodium in structure have a higher catalytic activity in methanol carbonylation and an excellent thermal stability. There appeared two coordination units in the copolymer complexes: The carbonylation of methanol catalyzed by the complexes can be carried out in mild conditions with-out any side-products. The selectivity of carbonylation reaction was approximately 100%.

Key words: vinyl pyridine, methyl acrylate, copolymer, cis-dicarbonyl rhodium complex, methanol carbonylation