Abstract: A process can be used for producing optical molding materials on the basis of methyl methacrylate (MMA). The MMA produced by an optimized method and the molding materials feature in particular a very low yellowness index. This MMA has been produced by direct oxidative esterification of methacrolein. An optimized workup of the reactor output from the oxidative esterification of methacrolein can be used for removing particularly discoloring byproducts. This process moreover has the advantage that fewer demands are placed on plant apparatus configuration.

Abstract: A novel process can be used for purifying methyl methacrylate (MMA) contaminated with low-boiling components by distillation, where the process involves producing MMA by oxidative esterification, and a crude product containing methyl propionate (MP), methyl isobutyrate (MIB), and methacrolein (MAL) as low-boiling components. The process is compatible with MMA produced from C2-based methacrolein containing the low-boiling components specified.

Abstract: A new method can be used for producing suitable improved carrier materials as a base material for catalysts for carrying out a direct oxidative esterification. In general, the catalyst is used to convert aldehydes with alcohols in the presence of oxygenic gases directly to the corresponding ester, for example, where (meth)acrolein can be converted to methyl(meth)acrylate. The catalysts used are characterized in particular by high mechanical and chemical stability as well as by good catalytic performance even over very long periods of time. This applies in particular to an improvement of catalyst service life, activity and selectivity in comparison to other catalysts.

Abstract: A novel process can be used for preparing methacrylates, such as methacrylic acid and/or alkyl methacrylates, especially MMA. The process allows for prolonging of the catalyst service life and an increase in efficiency of the methacrylate preparation based on C2 or C4 raw materials, especially when proceeding from isobutylene or tort-butanol or ethylene as raw material. The process allows for performance for longer periods without disruption, with constant or even increased activities and selectivities. This gives rise to the possibility of performing such processes in a very simple, economically viable, and environmentally benign manner. In addition, it has been possible to minimize known safety risks that emanate from the methacrolein intermediate.

Abstract: A process and a preparation plant prepares methacrolein from formaldehyde and propionaldehyde, in presence of water and a homogeneous catalyst based at least on an acid and a base. A reaction mixture is introduced into a methacrolein workup plant and separated in a first distillation column, into a first distillation mixture in a gas phase at the top and a second distillation mixture in a liquid phase at the bottom. The first distillation mixture is condensed and, in a first phase separator, the organic phase and the aqueous phase of the condensate are separated from one another. The aqueous phase is introduced into a second distillation column, that is not part of the methacrolein workup plant, and is separated into a third distillation mixture in a gas phase at the top and a fourth distillation mixture at the bottom. The third distillation mixture is introduced into the methacrolein workup plant.

Abstract: A process can be used for producing hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate esters, in particular hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The process involves a first reaction of (meth)acrolein with at least one polyhydric alcohol, in particular ethylene glycol, in the presence of a first catalyst C1, wherein a first reaction product containing a cyclic acetal is obtained. The process then involves a second reaction of the first reaction product with oxygen in the presence of a second catalyst C2, wherein a second reaction product containing at least one hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate ester is obtained. After the first reaction, water and optionally further components, in particular (meth)acrolein and/or the polyhydric alcohol, e.g. ethylene glycol, are at least partially removed from the first reaction product.

Abstract: A process produces methyl methacrylate by direct oxidative esterification of methacrolein. Methyl methacrylate is used in large amounts for producing polymers and copolymers with other polymerizable compounds. An optimized workup of the reactor discharge from the oxidative esterification of methacrolein allows for co-discharged fine catalyst particles to be very efficiently separated and optionally removed or recycled. In addition, this process can reduce the formation of byproducts in extended continuous operation compared to known variant. A reactor system contains stirrer configurations which allow virtually abrasion-free operation and thus a catalyst on-stream time of several years.

Abstract: An improved process can be used for the production of methacrylates, in particular methacrylic acid and/or methyl methacrylate (MMA). Specific embodiments of this process can be used for the safe and efficient production of these products from C-4-based raw materials, in particular those based on isobutylene or tert-butanol as raw materials. With this novel process, it is possible to operate such processes for a longer period of time without any safety or cleaning related shutdowns. This makes it possible to carry out such processes as simple, economic, and environmentally friendly as possible.

Abstract: A process can be used for preparing methyl methacrylate (MMA), by direct oxidative esterification of methacrolein. The MMA and polymers produced therefrom feature a very low yellowness index. A workup of the reactor output from the oxidative esterification of methacrolein allows for particularly discolouring by-products to be removed or degraded without significant MMA losses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a carboxylic ester by reacting an aldehyde in the presence of an aluminum alkoxide, wherein the aluminum alkoxide is obtained either by reacting an aluminum hydride with an aldehyde or by reacting a different aluminum alkoxide with a carboxylic ester.

Abstract: An improved process can be used for the production of methacrylates, in particular methacrylic acid and/or methyl methacrylate (MMA). Specific embodiments of this process can be used for the safe and efficient production of these products from C-4-based raw materials, in particular those based on isobutylene or tort-butanol as raw materials. With this novel process, it is possible to operate such processes for a longer period of time without any safety or cleaning related shutdowns. This makes it possible to carry out such processes as simple, economic, and environmentally friendly as possible.

Abstract: A process for producing alkyl methacrylates, in particular methyl methacrylate (MMA), includes production of methacrolein (MAL) in a first reaction stage; direct oxidative esterification (DOE) of the methacrolein with an alcohol, preferably methanol, to afford an alkyl methacrylate in a second reaction stage: and workup of the alkyl methacrylate crude product from the second reaction stage. An optimized workup of the reactor output from the oxidative esterification of methacrolein involves minimizing the amount of employed water, the amount of employed acid, and/or the amount of aqueous waste streams, through an optimized recycling of the generated process water streams.

Abstract: A process can be used for producing methacrylic acid or a methacrylic acid ester. The process involves producing acrolein, reacting the produced acrolein with hydrogen to produce propanal, reacting the propanal with formaldehyde to produce methacrolein, and oxidizing the methacrolein in the presence of an oxygen containing gas and optionally an alcohol, to obtain methacrylic acid or methacrylic acid ester.

Abstract: A process for producing alkyl methacrylates, in particular methyl methacrylate (MMA), includes production of methacrolein (MAL) in a first reaction stage; direct oxidative esterification (DOE) of the methacrolein with an alcohol, preferably methanol, to afford an alkyl methacrylate in a second reaction stage; and workup of the alkyl methacrylate crude product from the second reaction stage. An optimized workup of the reactor output from the oxidative esterification of methacrolein involves minimizing the amount of employed water, the amount of employed acid, and/or the amount of aqueous waste streams, through an optimized recycling of the generated process water streams.

Abstract: A process and a preparation plant can prepare methacrolein from formaldehyde and propionaldehyde in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst mixture based at least on an acid and a base. For a good workup of the reaction mixture leaving the reactor, with a good energy balance and where the process has simplified apparatus implementation, the liquid reaction mixture under pressure is expanded in an expansion vessel and separated into a first expansion mixture in a gas phase and a second expansion mixture in a liquid phase. The first expansion mixture is condensed in a first condenser and the second expansion mixture is introduced into a first distillation column and separated therein, into a first distillation mixture in a gas phase at the top and a second distillation mixture in a liquid phase at the bottom. The first distillation mixture is condensed in the first condenser.

Abstract: A novel process can be used for purifying methyl methacrylate (MMA) contaminated with low-boiling components by distillation, where the process involves producing MMA by oxidative esterification, and a crude product containing methyl propionate (MP), methyl isobutyrate (MIB), and methacrolein (MAL) as low-boiling components. The process is compatible with MMA produced from C2-based methacrolein containing the low-boiling components specified.

Abstract: A process prepares glycerol carbonate (meth)acrylate by transesterification of methyl (meth)acrylate with glycerol carbonate, in the presence of a zirconium acetylacetonate catalyst. The catalyst is pretreated with 2% by weight to 25% by weight of water, based on the amount of catalyst.

Abstract: A novel process can be used for a heterogeneously catalysed oxidation reaction, in the presence of a pulverulent noble metal-containing catalyst, where (meth)acrolein, an alkyl alcohol, in particular methanol, and an oxygen-containing gas are converted to an alkyl (meth)acrylate, in particular methyl (meth)acrylate. A corresponding reactor suitable for performing the reaction is also useful. The process allows for an effective retention of the particulate catalyst and the continuous discharge of fines fractions of the catalyst powder which are present, particularly in a fresh catalyst batch as a consequence of its preparation. Such fines fractions may also be produced by abrasion during the reaction. The process allows for effective recycling, recovery, and utilization of these discharged catalyst fractions.

Abstract: A process produces methyl methacrylate by direct oxidative esterification of methacrolein. Methyl methacrylate is used in large amounts for producing polymers and copolymers with other polymerizable compounds. An optimized workup of the reactor discharge from the oxidative esterification of methacrolein allows for co-discharged fine catalyst particles to be very efficiently separated and optionally removed or recycled. In addition, this process can reduce the formation of byproducts in extended continuous operation compared to known variant. A reactor system contains stirrer configurations which allow virtually abrasion-free operation and thus a catalyst on-stream time of several years.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing N-methyl(meth)acrylamide and to the uses thereof.