Methods for the production of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids and salts thereof

摘要

Processes for producing an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, such as acrylic acid, or a salt thereof, using solid promoters are disclosed. The solid promoters can be certain solid oxides, mixed oxides, and clays, illustrative examples of which can include alumina, zirconia, magnesia, magnesium aluminate, sepiolite, and similar materials.

主权项

1. A process for performing a metallalactone elimination reaction, the process comprising:
(1) forming a reaction mixture consisting essentially of (a) a metallalactone; (b) a diluent; and (c) a solid promoter selected from the group consisting of alumina, zirconia, magnesia, magnesium aluminate, and sepiolite, or a combination thereof; and (2) forming an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, or a salt thereof; wherein the molar yield of the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, or the salt thereof, based on the metallalactone, is at least 5%.