Production of esters of methacrylic acid

Abstract

Abstract Esters of methacrylic acid or acrylic acid are produced by the oxidative carbonylation of propylene or ethylene by contacting the olefin, oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of an alcohol, a Group VIII noble metal catalyst and, as a cocatalyst, an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aromatic or heterocyclic compound containing an oxide of nitrogen preferably in an aromatic or heterocyclic ring. The oxidation can also be performed in the presence of a redox agent. In a typical embodiment the olefin, carbon monoxide and oxygen are contacted with an alcoholic solution of Group VIII noble metal at a concentration from 0.001 to 1.0 molar, a nitrogen oxide compound, pyridine 1-oxide, at a concentration from 0.01 to 25 weight percent and a redox agent, cupric chloride, at a concentration from 1 to about 35 weight percent. The carbon monoxide partial pressure used is from 10 to about 70 percent of the total pressure which is from 300 to 3,000 p.s.i.g. Under these conditions a substantial portion of the product comprises the desired ester of methacrylic acid.

Inventors

• 👤 Donald N Brattesani

Bibliographic Details