CATALYST AND PROCESS FOR PREPARATION OF AN ESTER

摘要

A catalyst composition suitable for use as a catalyst for the preparation of an ester comprises an organometallic compound which is the reaction product of an alkoxide or condensed alkoxide of at least one metal selected from titanium, zirconium or aluminium, an alcohol containing at least two hydroxyl groups, a base and an organophosphorus compound of general formula PX(OR<1>)a(R<2>)b where X is S or O, R<1> is alkyl/aryl, substituted alkyl/aryl, ether-alkyl, alkoxy, -COR<3> where R<3> is (optionally substituted) C1-6 alkyl or carboxylic acid (or derivative thereof), -(CH2)xCOOR<4>, where R<4> is alkyl, preferably C1-6 alkyl and x is preferably 1-3; each R<2> is independently H, alkyl/aryl, substituted alkyl/aryl, ether-alkyl, e.g. polyoxyalkyl, especially polyoxyethyl or polyoxypropyl, alkoxy, -OCOR<3 >where R<3> is (optionally substituted) C1-6 alkyl or carboxylic acid (or derivative thereof), -(CH2)XCOOR<4>, where R<4> is alkyl, preferably C1-6 alkyl and x is preferably 1-3; at least one of R<1> and R<2> contains a donor group which is capable of coordinating to or forming a covalent bond with the metal, a is in the range 1-3, b is in the range 0-2 and a + b = 3.