PROCESS TO PRODUCE ALKENOIC ACID ESTERS FROM LACTONES

摘要

This invention relates to a process for the preparation of alkenoic acid esters comprising contacting a lactone with an alcohol and an acidic heterogeneous catalyst, characterised in that the process is carried out in the presence of at least 20 ppm of an acid having a pKa of 5 or less, relative to the amount of the lactone. The presence of at least 20 ppm of an acid having a pKa of 5 or less may stabilise the catalyst during the reaction and may also be used for reactivating an acidic heterogeneous catalyst. The improved yield advantageously allows energy conservation.