| abstract |
A process is disclosed for preparing cyclohexane tricarboxylic acids and esters thereof comprising contacting carbon monoxide, cis-1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophthalic acid anhydride and water or a lower alkanol at elevated pressure and temperature and in the presence of a palladium complex and an ether solvent wherein the selectivity to cis-1,2-trans-4-cyclohexane tricarboxylic acids and esters thereof is greater than that obtained in the absence of the ether solvent. |