(Phys.org)—The synthesis of carboxylic acid derivatives from unsaturated carbon compounds is important for making chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, polymers, and agrochemicals. In industry this reaction is done using high pressure carbon monoxide along with the appropriate catalyst for the job. While this may be possible in certain facilities, the use of a poisonous gas is not feasible in the laboratory setting. Additionally, because these reactions often require a tailor-made catalyst, the process is limited to only those substrates that work with the catalyst.