メタクリル酸およびその誘導体を製造するための方法ならびにこれを用いて製造されるポリマー

摘要

A process for the production of methacrylic acid is described. The process comprises the base catalysed decarboxylation of at least one or a mixture of dicarboxylic acids selected from itaconic, citraconic or mesaconic acid. The decarboxylation is carried out in the range greater than 240 and up to 275° C. to provide high selectivity. The methacrylic acid product may be esterified to produce an ester. A method of preparing polymers or copolymers of methacrylic acid or methacrylic acid esters using the process is also described. Optionally, the process may be preceded with a decarboxylation and, if necessary, a dehydration step on a source of pre-acid such as citric acid or isocitric acid.