Organometallic compounds of aluminium, zirconium or titanium useful as esterification reaction catalysts

摘要

Described is an organometallic compound used as a catalyst for the preparation of an ester comprises the reaction product of an orthoester or condensed orthoester, titanium, zirconium or aluminium, an alcohol containing at least two hydroxyl groups, an organophosphorus compound containing at least one P-OH group and a base. A process for the preparation of an ester comprises carrying out an esterification reaction in the presence of the catalyst. The organometallic compound suitable for use as a catalyst in an esterification process comprises the reaction product of, in addition, a 2-hydroxy carboxylic acid.