Study On The Synthesis Of Methyl Methacrylate From Formaldehyde And Propionaldehyde

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is an important chemical product,which is widely used for manufacturing polymethyl metracrylate or other methacrylic esters. Because of its excellent function and comprehensive application, MMA has huge market potential.The synthesis of MMA from formaldehyde and propionaldehyde was studied in this paper.Firstly, MAL was synthesized as an intermediate by propionaldehyde condensing with formaldehyde in the presence of catalyst in liquid phase. Effects of reactant ratio, reaction temperature and reaction time on the conversion and yield were investigated. The proper reaction conditions were ascertained as follows: the mole ratio of formaldehyde/propionaldehyde=1.1/1; reaction time=50min; reaction temperature=46℃. Under the above conditions, propionaldehyde conversion and MAL yield reached up to 99.8% and 91.2% respectively. The product which had a purity of 99.8% was characterized by IR spectra. The reaction mechanism was also described.Secondly, the Pd catalysts which consist of different carrier were prepared and applied to produce MMA from direct oxidative esterification of MAL. The effects of mole ratio of methanol to MAL, reaction temperature,reaction time and catalyst concentration on MAL conversion and MMA selectivity were studied. The components of the product were determined by means of standard sample comparison and GC-MS. Results showed that the main byproducts were methyl isobutyrate, 3-methoxy-methyl methacrylate and MMA dimer. All these prior studies including preparation of catalyst, optimization of the reaction conditions and establishment of analysis methods can be a reference to the exploration and development of new catalyst.Finally, the reaction process for preparing MMA from direct oxidative esterification of MAL was discussed in this paper.