(Meth)Acrylic Acid Ester Yield via Water-Assisted Catalyst Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing (meth)acrylic acid ester using secondary alcohols result in low yield due to the formation of alkenes and water, leading to decomposition of the ester and inefficient purification processes.
Innovation Solution
Contacting a liquid containing an esterified product of the esterification catalyst with water at a temperature between 50°C and 105°C in a reactor and/or retention tank to decompose the esterified product, thereby reducing catalyst decomposition and improving yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If secondary alcohol is used in esterification reaction with acid catalyst, then esterification reaction proceeds, but dehydration reaction occurs forming alkene and water leading to low yield
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful dehydration reaction into a beneficial process by intentionally adding water to the reaction system. The added water suppresses the dehydration reaction of secondary alcohol, preventing alkene formation and catalyst decomposition, thereby improving ester yield despite the equilibrium nature of the esterification reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the water content parameter in the reaction system by adding water during the reaction process. This parameter change shifts the chemical equilibrium and suppresses side reactions, transforming the reaction conditions to favor ester formation while minimizing decomposition pathways.
2Quantity of substance
If aqueous phase is reintroduced into the system, then water is accumulated, but ester decomposes into secondary alcohol and (meth)acrylic acid by hydrolysis
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by adding water before the esterification reaction reaches completion and before significant decomposition occurs. This proactive water addition prevents the accumulation of harmful byproducts and suppresses hydrolysis reactions that would otherwise reduce ester yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful effect of water accumulation into a beneficial suppressive effect on dehydration and hydrolysis reactions. By carefully controlling water addition, the system maintains optimal moisture levels that prevent alkene formation and ester decomposition, turning water from a harmful accumulative byproduct into a protective reaction condition.
3Manufacturing precision
If distillation is carried out with long retention time in presence of acid catalyst, then purification is achieved, but alkene and water are generated and ester is decomposed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of prolonged acid-catalyzed heating during distillation into a beneficial process by adding water to suppress decomposition reactions. The water prevents alkene formation and ester hydrolysis during the purification process, allowing longer retention times for better separation without sacrificing yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the water content parameter during the distillation and purification process. This parameter modification suppresses the acid-catalyzed decomposition reactions that normally occur during prolonged heating, enabling effective purification while maintaining high ester yield by preventing breakdown reactions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the yield of (meth)acrylic acid ester by minimizing decomposition and allowing for high-purity production in a shorter period.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a liquid L containing an esterified product of the esterification catalyst obtained during production of the (meth)acrylic acid ester with water at a temperature T of 50°C or higher and 105°C or lower
Implementation Method 2
reacting (meth)acrylic acid with a secondary alcohol in a reactor in the presence of an acid-type esterification catalyst
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
To provide a technique for improving the yield of a (meth)acrylic acid ester. A method of producing a (meth)acrylic acid ester, the method including: reacting (meth)acrylic acid with a secondary alcohol in a reactor in the presence of an acid-type esterification catalyst and a polymerization inhibitor; and contacting a liquid L containing an esterified product of the esterification catalyst obtained during production of the (meth)acrylic acid ester with water at a temperature T of 50°C or higher and 105°C or lower in the reactor and/or a retention tank.