Method of making phthalic acid diesters

Abstract

Methods and systems for the production of phthalic acid diesters are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and mixing of a phthalic acid derivative with alcohol. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time with existing catalysts.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional application of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12 / 144,296 filed on Jun. 23, 2008, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 946,505, filed Jun. 27, 2007, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.BACKGROUND[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]This invention relates generally to the field of chemical reactions. More specifically, the invention relates to methods of making diester phthalates incorporating high shear mixing.[0005]2. Background of the Invention[0006]Plasticizers are widely used in many ways in plastics, coating compositions, sealing compositions and rubber articles. They interact physically with thermoplastic high polymers without reacting chemically, preferably by means of their solvent and swelling capability. This forms...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Methods and systems for the esterification of phthalic acid and its derivatives are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of alcohol in the phthalic acid and / or derivative. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce esterification time. Further advantages and aspects of the disclosed methods and system are described below.

Problems solved by technology

These salts are obtained as a slimy precipitate which can be filtered off only with difficulty, necessitating a high outlay in terms of time and apparatus.

Obtaining the desired phthalic diester in pure form is thus associated with considerable difficulties.

The modern processes for preparing ester plasticizers thus do not yet fulfill all aspects of the above-described demands made of the production process and the reaction product.

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