Production of esters

摘要

Mixed benzyl aliphatic or cycloaliphatic esters of organic di- or poly-carboxylic acids which form intramolecular anhydrides are prepared by admixing an anhydride of said carboxylic acid, a tri-aliphatic or tri-cycloaliphatic amine, a benzyl halide and an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic monohydric alcohol. The reaction may be carried out batchwise or continuously, preferably at 125-185 DEG C. using substantially equimolecular proportions. The benzyl halide reactant may be further substituted, e.g. by alkyl or alkoxy groups or by halogen atoms and a list of suitable alcohols and anhydride forming acids is given. Examples relate to the preparation of benzyl-alkyl, alkenyl and cycloalkyl esters of phthalic, trimellitic, succinic and maleic acids. Included among many specified esters are:-dibenzyl dipropyl pyromellitate, benzyl hexyl glutarate, benzyl 2-ethylhexyl succinate, benzyl tridecyl maleate, benzyl allyl phthalate, and benzyl cyclohexyl phthalate.