Patent ID: 6147252
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
A process for continuously producing an alkyl ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid by ester interchange reaction represented by the following reaction scheme: ##STR6## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or methyl, R.sup.2 is an alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, R.sup.3 is an alkyl having 2 to 20 carbon atoms or a mono- or polyhydroxyalkyl having 2 to 20 carbon atoms such that R.sup.2 OH has a boiling point lower than that of R.sup.3 OH, the process comprising the steps of:supplying the starting alkyl ester: ##STR7## and the starting alcohol R.sup.3 OH to a continuous multi-stage distillation column, having a top, as starting materials;bringing the starting materials into contact with a catalyst in the distillation column to allow the ester interchange reaction to take place between the starting materials while continuously taking out the by-produced alcohol R.sup.2 OH in a vapor form from the top of the distillation column, by distillation; andcontinuously taking out the resultant alkyl ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid ##STR8## in a liquid form from a lower position of the distillation column.