PROCESS FOR PRODUCING MIXED ESTERS FROM ALDEHYDES

摘要

The Tischenko reaction is employed to produce mixed esters from acetaldehyde and isobutyraldehyde with maximum production of ethyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, and isobutyl isobutyrate, and minimum product of undesirable products such as ethyl isobutyrate. Isolation of essentially pure preferred ester products is achieved through a novel continuous distillation system. A holding tank maintained at an elevated temperature with respect to a Tischenko reactor is employed to increase the yield of preferred ester products. Distillation streams containing undesirable impurities and ethyl isobutyrate are cycled to a condensation catalyst reactor for use as catalyst solvent, and to effect conversion of ethyl isobutyrate to preferred ester products.