Process for preparing alpha-thienylacetic acid, esters and salts thereof

Abstract

A process is disclosed for preparing alpha-thienylacetic acid, alkyl esters and salts thereof by carbonylation of 2-chloromethylthiophene, characterized in that 2-chloromethylthiophene and carbon monoxide are reacted under atmospheric pressure and at a temperature ranging from 0.degree. to 60.degree. C., in an aqueous-alcoholic solution in the presence of a catalyst selected from the class consisting of Co.sub.2 (CO).sub.8, MCo(CO).sub.4 where M is selected from the class consisting of Na and K, and a system comprising a cobalt salt (such as cobaltous chloride), a ferro-manganese alloy and at least one sulphur-containing promoter (such as the alkaline sulphides and thiosulphates), and in the presence of an inorganic base, and the separating the alpha-thienylacetic acid from the resulting salt and/or ester obtained.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.