METHYLENE DICARBOXYLATES PREPARATION PROCESS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a compound having the formula (I): R1-C(=O)-O-CH2-OC(=O)-R2 (I) wherein R1 and R2 independently represent an alkyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl group, wherein the alkyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl group is optionally substituted; the process comprises step i) of reacting: a compound A selected from the group consisting of trioxane, polyoxymethylene deprived of hydroxyl end groups; a compound of formula (II): R1-C(=O)-OC(=O)-R2 (II) and a perfluorosulfonic acid; wherein step i) is carried out at a temperature T1 of at least 50 °C, wherein the molar ratio of the compound of formula (II) to compound A varies from 1:1 to 1.2:1.