Synthesis of methyl glycolate from the carbonylation of HCHO using heteropoly acids (HPAs) as catalysts, followed by esterification with methanol was reported. Size-selective vibrational spectroscopy of methyl glycolate clusters was reported. Methyl glycolate is a chemical reagent used in the synthesis of taxol and rapamycin. It is used in leather tanning and textile dyeing. It acts as a flavoring agent, preservative in food processing, in water treatment industries and as chemical intermediates. Further, it is used in emulsion polymers, ink and paint additive to improve flow properties and impart gloss. It plays an important role in producing triisopropylsilanyloxy-acetic acid methyl ester using imidazole as reagent. Synthesis of methyl glycolate from the carbonylation of HCHO using heteropoly acids (HPAs) as catalysts, followed by esterification with methanol was reported. Size-selective vibrational spectroscopy of methyl glycolate clusters was reported. Methyl glycolate is a chemical reagent used in the synthesis of taxol and rapamycin. It is used in leather tanning and textile dyeing. It acts as a flavoring agent, preservative in food processing, in water treatment industries and as chemical intermediates. Further, it is used in emulsion polymers, ink and paint additive to improve flow properties and impart gloss. It plays an important role in producing triisopropylsilanyloxy-acetic acid methyl ester using imidazole as reagent.