Carbonylation of Methanol on Metal–Acid Zeolites: Evidence for a Mechanism Involving a Multisite Active Center

IR operando and "in situ" MAS NMR spectroscopic techniques were used to detect the intermediates involved in the carbonylation of methanol on zeolites (mordenite). The presence of Cu as well as Brønsted acid sites enhances the rate of carbonylation over that of the metal-free sample (which produces mainly acetic acid) by preferential adsorption of CO and dimethyl ether on Cu and leads mainly to methyl acetate.