The typical oxidative reactions ((1) dialkyl oxalate synthesis from carbon monoxide, (2) dialkyl carbonate synthesis from carbon monoxide, (3) acetals and ketals synthesis from olefins, and (4) oxidative carbonylation of olefins) catalyzed by palladium in the presence of alkyl nitrites, are described. The mechanistic studies are conducted based on reaction kinetics. In addition, derivation of acetals obtained by olefin oxidation to various useful fine chemicals is also described. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.