Ester synthesis

摘要

This invention relates to a process for the production of lower aliphatic esters by reacting a lower olefin with a saturated lower aliphatic mono-carboxylic acid in the vapour phase in the presence of a heteropolyacid catalyst characterised in that an amount of water in the range from 1-10 mole % based on the total of the olefin, aliphatic mono-carboxylic acid and water is added to the reaction mixture during the reaction. The presence of water enhances the yield of the desired ester. The reaction mixture may optionally contain a di-ether to minimise the by-products. The process is particularly suitable for producing ethyl acetate from ethylene and acetic acid in the presence of water.