Esterification process.

摘要

The invention provides a process for the esterification of a C2-C24 monocarboxylic acid with a C1-C5 monoalcohol in a reactor at an increased reaction temperature and increased pressure which is carried out in the absence of any esterification catalyst whilst continuously feeding in the alcohol during the reaction and removing a gaseous alcohol/water mixture. Preferably the process is carried out in countercurrent in column reactor which is packed or contains plates. The reaction temperature is usually between 200 and 260 DEG C at a pressure between 0.5 and 1.5 MPa. There is a C6-C20 monocarboxylic acid and monoalcohol a C1-C3 monoalcohol. More preferably the process is carried in two steps with a first step as described above and a second step in which further reaction to a conversion of at least 99% is carried out in the presence of an esterification catalyst at a temperature below 100 DEG C.