Attempts to prepare some carboxylate complexes, especially for electrophilic metals, often gives oxo derivatives. Examples include the oxo-acetates of Fe(III), Mn(III), and Cr(III).
Metal acetates are common catalysts or precatalysts. Particularly useful are the ethylhexanoates and related metallic soaps. These lipophilic complexes are used as catalysts in oxidation reactions, e.g. oil drying agents.