Trialkyl acetic acid (neo acid) esters and esterification process

摘要

Disclosed is a method of making trialkyl acetic acid ("neo acid") esters and a neo acid ester composition. Neo acid esters are made by contacting a neo acid stream, comprising a mixture of neo acids, with alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The invention has the benefit of providing a desired neo acid ester composition, while eliminating, or at least limiting, the need for separation and/or purification of the reactants prior to the synthesis of the desired neo acid esters.