A process for the preparation of methacrylate esters

摘要

A process for the preparation of methacrylate esters, wherein (a) propyne is stripped in a distillation column from a solvent stream containing dissolved propyne, to afford a gaseous propyne stream that is subsequently condensed, and (b) the condensed propyne is contacted with carbon monoxide and an alcohol in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst, characterised in that the propyne is stripped in a distillation column that is equipped with an internal condenser to afford partial condensation for the supply of reflux.