Patent ID: 6458991
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
A process for the preparation of (meth)acrylates, comprisingesterification of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid with at least one compound which has at least one alcoholic hydroxyl group at from 90 to 150Â° C. in the presence of an acidic esterification catalyst and of a polymerization inhibitor with the addition of a hydrocarbon having a boiling point of from 60 to 140Â° C. as a water-entraining agent; distilling off the water-entraining agent and excess (meth)acrylic acid at from 90 to 150Â° C. at atmospheric pressure or reduced pressure after the esterification; and, otpionally, neutralizing the product obtained after the distillation with at least one basic inorganic compound, wherein the polymerization inhibitor used is a copper(II) salt or a mixture of a copper(II) salt and a copper(I) salt, which is precipitated as copper sulfide after the esterification and is separated off.