The synthesis of butyl oxalate by carbonylation of butyl nitrite was studied using heterogeneous catalysts such as 5 wt% Pd/C, Pt/C, Ru/C and Rh/C. Selection of the catalysts was based on the strength of formed metal-oxygen bond which would determine probable product characteristics. Based on the experimental results, reaction mechanisms were proposed and effect of various experimental conditions on the conversion and selectivity was investigated.