Synthesis of methacrylic acid from methacrolein-based alkyl methacrylate

US10479754B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Roehm GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Steffen Krill · Mühltal, DE
• Matthias Groemping · Darmstadt, DE
• Alexander Lygin · Griesheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 9, 2016
• Grant date: Nov 19, 2019
• Expiry date: Sep 9, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C2527/054
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for preparing alkyl methacrylates, especially MMA, and methacrylic acid, based on methacrolein, which has been oxidatively esterified in a second process stage. Methacrolein is obtainable in principle from C2 and C4 units. The present process has the advantage that the alkyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid can be obtained in a simple manner, in high yields and high purities, either as a mixture or as isolated product streams. In particular, the process of the invention has the great advantage that especially the ratio of the desired methacrylic acid and alkyl methacrylate, especially MMA, products can be adjusted freely within a wide range and varied by chemical engineering measures and operating parameters.