Development and applications of selective hydroesterification reactions

The catalyzed addition of carbon monoxide to unsaturated compounds has drawn considerable attention over the past decade where more structurally complex molecules are made with high selectivities. In this review, we highlight some of the recent contributions that have significantly broadened the scope for the selective hydroesterification of alkenes and alkynes with alcohols to give esters. Key mechanistic features that drive linear or branched selectivity and how proper ligand choice plays an essential role are discussed. As a result, the utility for hydroesterification has expanded to new applications, which have also been highlighted.