PRODUCTION OF LACTONE

摘要

PURPOSE:To produce a lactone in high selectivity and yield by carrying out the hydrogenating reaction of a dicarboxylic acid diester with hydrogen in the vapor phase under mild reactional conditions using a new solid catalyst without containing chromium. CONSTITUTION:This method for producing a lactone is to subject a dicarboxylic acid diester expressed by the general formula Rn2.(COORn1)2 (Rn1 is 1-6C lower alkyl ester; Rn2 is 1-12C hydrocarbon) to hydrogenating reaction with hydrogen in the vapor phase in the presence of a solid catalyst containing at least copper metal and silver metal supported on a carrier and synthesize the lactone.