Abstract: Processes for producing alcohols such as ethanol and propanol from a mixed acid feedstock. In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps of hydrogenating a mixed acid feedstock comprising acetic acid and one or more higher acids, preferably comprising propionic acid, in the presence of a catalyst to form a crude alcohol product comprising ethanol and one or more higher alcohols, preferably including propanol.

Abstract: Described is a process for the alkoxylation of alcohols with I, Cl, or CH3CO2 endgroups, using alkylene epoxides in the presence of boron based catalysts.

Abstract: A method of producing an alkyl ester of a carboxylic acid is provided, the method comprising: adding an alkanol and a mineral acid to a carboxylic acid salt to provide a carboxylic acid/alkanol solution and a precipitated mineral acid salt; separating the mineral acid salt from the carboxylic acid/alkanol solution; esterifying the carboxylic acid; and isolating an alkyl ester of the carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid includes contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen at an elevated temperature with catalyst comprising platinum and tin on a high surface area silica promoted with calcium metasilicate. Selectivities to ethanol of over 85% are achieved at 280° C. with catalyst life in the hundreds of hours.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing an ?-substituted ester by reaction of a fluorosulfuric acid ester of ?-hydroxyester with a Grignard reagent in the presence of a zinc catalyst. It is newly found that the reaction for production of ?-substituted esters, in which the raw reaction substrate is limited to expensive trifluoromethanesulfonic acid esters, can proceed favorably with the use of fluorosulfuric acid esters suitable for mass-production uses. By the use of the fluorosulfuric acid ester high in optical purity, it is possible to obtain the ?-substituted ester with high optical purity upon inversion of the asymmetric carbon configuration. The process of the present invention can solve all of the prior art problems and can be applied for industrial uses.

Abstract: Recovery of an ethyl acetate solvent, optionally with the recovery of ethanol, from a crude product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude product are employed to allow recovery of the ethyl acetate solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of sustained delivery of a tertiary amine-containing parent drug comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of a prodrug compound of the invention wherein upon administration to the patient, release of the parent drug from the prodrug is sustained release. Prodrug compounds suitable for use in the methods of the invention are labile quaternary ammonium salts of tertiary amine-containing parent drugs (or tertiary imine-containing parent drugs) that are derivatized through aldehyde-linked prodrug moieties that reduce the solubility of the prodrug compound at a reference pH as compared to the parent drug. The physical, chemical and solubility properties of these derivatives can be further modulated by the choice of counterion X?. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a prodrug compound of Formula I: where R1-R5 are defined in the written description of the invention.

Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol and/or ethyl acetate from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a Pt/Sn catalyst or a Re/Pd catalyst. The catalyst may further comprise a support modifier to improve selectivity for the desired product.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of n-hexadecyl n-nonanoate (CAS number 72934-15-7, hereafter cetyl nonanoate) and n-octadecyl n-nonanoate (CAS number 107647-13-2, hereafter stearyl nonanoate) and to the mixtures thereof (CAS number 878027-13-5) as fixatives for fragrance substances. The invention also relates to specific compositions comprising (A) cetyl nonanoate and/or stearyl nonanoate as well as (B) one or more fragrance substances. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of such compositions as well as to (cosmetic) products comprising a composition according to the invention. The invention further relates to a process for imparting, intensifying or modifying an odor on (human) skin. A particular aspect of the present invention relates to the improvement in the adhesive strength of a composition according to the invention on (human) skin and/or (human) hair.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing n-propyl acetate capable of suppressing the deterioration of a hydrogenation catalyst to such an extent that the catalyst can be industrially used, for example, in the case where n-propyl acetate is produced by performing a hydrogenation reaction in the presence of the hydrogenation catalyst using, as a raw material liquid, a liquid containing allyl acetate or the like which has been produced from propylene, oxygen and acetic acid and obtained using a purification process such as distillation. In such a method for producing n-propyl acetate, the concentration of a formyl group-containing compound (such as acrolein, propionaldehyde or 2-methylcrotonaldehyde) and the concentration of an acryloyloxy group-containing compound (such as acrylic acid or allyl acrylate) in the raw material liquid are respectively set to 100 ppm by mass or less. As a result, the deterioration of the hydrogenation catalyst can be suppressed to such an extent that the catalyst can be industrially used.

Abstract: The invention relates to the stimulation of the synthesis and of the activity of an isoform of lysyl oxidase, and more particularly of the LOXL (lysyl oxidase-like) isoform. The invention relates notably to a method of identifying an active principle which stimulates the formation of elastic fibers. The aim of the invention is mainly to provide such a method of identification so as to provide compositions which enable stimulating the formation of elastic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lipid composition comprising at least omega-3 polyunsaturated alcohols, or pro-drugs thereof, which omega-3 polyunsaturated alcohols, or pro-drugs thereof, comprising at least (all-Z)-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaen-1-ol, or pro-drug thereof, and (all-Z)-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaen-1-ol, or pro-drug thereof, and their use as a pharmaceutical, in particular for the treatment of elevated triglyceride levels. The invention also relates to methods for the preparation of these pro-drugs from marine oils.

Abstract: A preparation method for an ethanol extract of the fruiting body of Antrodia camphorata (EEAC) is provided. The preparation method includes steps of: (a) providing the fruiting body of A. camphorata (AC); (b) extracting the fruiting bodies with a first ethanol solution; and (c) obtaining EEAC. EEAC further can be sequentially extracted or fractioned by n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol, and an n-hexane fraction (FC), an ethyl acetate fraction (FA) and an ethanol fraction (FB) respectively are generated. The growth inhibition and apoptosis induction of leukemia cell line HL 60 are effectively mediated by FA product, in which zhankuic acid A is the bioactive marker. The amount of triterpenoid in the fruiting body of AC can be determined by NMR and HPLC analysis.

Abstract: A process for hydrogenating acetic acid to form of ethyl acetate and mixtures of ethyl acetate and ethanol. The hydrogenation is done in the presence of catalyst, preferably on a support that optionally includes a support modifier.

Abstract: Provide that a useful catalyst for homogeneous hydrogenation, particularly a catalyst for homogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation for hydrogenation, particularly asymmetric hydrogenation, which is obtainable with comparative ease and is excellent in economically and workability, and a process for producing a hydrogenated compound of an unsaturated compound, particularly an optically active compound using said catalyst with a high yield and optical purity.

Abstract: Process for heterogeneously catalysed preparation of carboxylic acid derivatives using a reactor system comprising at least one reservoir vessel V, feed lines, at least one pump and a reaction vessel R, characterized in that a permanent gas flow through the reaction vessel R is applied through a gas feed line, and in which a reaction chamber in which the heterogeneous catalyst is not introduced in tightly packed form is delimited by at least two filters such that both the mass flow and the gas flow are passed through the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A process for reactive distillation wherein a carboxylic acid is reacted in a reaction section of a reactive distillation column with an alcohol under esterifying conditions in the presence of a catalyst to form an ester, wherein a first supply stream comprising the carboxylic acid, a second supply stream comprising the alcohol and a third supply stream comprising an inert entrainer are supplied to the reactive distillation column, wherein the first supply stream is supplied to the column at a first entry level located just above or at the top of the reaction section, the second supply stream is supplied to the column at a second entry level located in or just below the reaction section and below the first entry level, and the third supply stream is supplied to the column at a third entry level located in or below the reaction section and not above the second entry level and wherein a bottom stream comprising the ester formed and unreacted carboxylic acid is obtained and a top stream comprising unreacted alco

Abstract: A process for the selective production of ethyl acetate by vapor phase reaction of acetic acid over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethyl acetate is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over platinum and copper supported on silica selectively produces ethyl acetate in a vapor phase at a temperature of about 250° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a green catalytic process for the synthesis of acetyl salicylic acid using solid acid catalysts at atmospheric pressure. The invention involve the solid acid catalyst such as sulfated transition metal oxides namely nano-crystalline sulfated zirconia, sulfated titania; modified zeolites namely zeolite H-beta, H-Y, H-ZSM-5 and K-10 montmorillonite clay in a solvent free environment using salicylic acid and acetic anhydride with yield about 95% and high selectivity (100%). The solid acid catalysts can be recovered, regenerated and reused.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the telomerization of acyclic olefins having at least two conjugated double bonds (I) or mixtures in which such olefins are present with nucleophiles (II) using a metal-carbene complex as catalyst.

Abstract: A silica support for use in the manufacture of a silica supported heteropolyacid catalyst for use in producing a carboxylic ester from a monocarboxylic acid, olefin and water wherein the support is produced by treating silica-gel granules with steam at a temperature in the range 100 to 300° C. for a period of time in the range 0.1 to 200 hours.

Abstract: Described is a method for improving the spreading properties of fatty alcohol containing cosmetic ingredients by providing a fatty alcohol containing starting material and adding an effective amount of acylating source [e.g., R1C)?O)OC(?O)R2, where R1 is an alkyl substituent of the acyl group having between 1 and 5 carbons; where R2 is a long chain fatty alkyl subsistent (non-limiting examples are unsaturated substituents such as CH3—(CH2)7—CH?CH—CH2—(CH2)x—, and saturated substituents such as CH3—(CH2)y—, wherein x ranges from 4 to 12, and y ranges from 14 to 22, and the like)], wherein the spreading properties of the starting material are increased over the spreading properties originally exhibited.

Abstract: A method for producing an allyl compound having a compositional formula different from that of an allyl starting material compound, which comprises reacting the allyl starting material compound with an oxygen nucleophilic agent in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one transition metal compound containing a transition metal selected from the group consisting of transition metals belonging to Group 8 to Group 10 of the Periodic Table and a multidentate phosphite compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions which comprise mixtures of open-chain and cyclic molecules of the sugar alcohols D-sorbitol and D-mannitol which have been esterified with at least one carboxylic acid, processes for preparing these compositions and the use of this composition as lubricant or hydraulic liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the telomerization of acyclic olefins having at least two conjugated double bonds (I) or mixtures comprising such olefins by means of nucleophiles (II) using a palladium-carbene complex as catalyst.

Abstract: A method for producing an ester comprising the steps of reacting an alcohol with a carboxylic acid to obtain a crude esterfied product, adding 5 to 100 parts by weight of a hydrocarbon solvent with respect to 100 parts by weight of the crude esterified product and performing neutralization with an alkali aqueous solution. An alcohol solvent can be added, if necessary. Thus, a method for producing an ester is provided in which a high-quality ester is obtained at a high yield.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making trialkyl acetic acid (“neo acid”) esters and a neo acid ester composition. Neo acid esters are made by contacting a neo acid stream, comprising a mixture of neo acids, with alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The invention has the benefit of providing a desired neo acid ester composition, while eliminating, or at least limiting, the need for separation and/or purification of the reactants prior to the synthesis of the desired neo acid esters.

Abstract: A process for producing a lower aliphatic carboxylic acid ester, comprises reacting a lower aliphatic carboxylic acid with a lower alcohol in a gas phase in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst comprises an inorganic support having supported thereon at least one heteropolyacid and/or a salt thereof. The catalyst exhibits high initial activity and is able to stably and continuously perform the reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved process for producing ethyl acetate comprising contacting acetic acid and ethanol in a reaction zone in the presence of an acid catalyst, distilling formed vapors and condensing to form an organic phase rich in ethyl acetate and an aqueous phase rich in water, separating the phases and further distilling each phase to obtain a final purified ethyl acetate product and a water stream low in organic components, the improvement comprising directing the organic phase from the first distillation to the reaction zone. An alternate embodiment involves directing at least a portion of the organic phase from the first distillation to a membrane separation unit which removes water and/or alcohol from the organic phase rich in ethyl acetate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the simultaneous coproduction of ethyl acetate and isopropyl acetate. The esterification reaction comprises contacting acetic acid with a mixed alcohol stream of ethanol and isopropanol. Exemplified is a purified, Fischer Tropsch derived mixture of ethanol and isopropanol. The esterification reaction occurs in the presence of an acidic catalyst in a liquid phase reaction system. The resultant crude reaction step product is separated and purified by distillation to produce acetate ester products having greater than 99.5 wt % purity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a chiral ester according to the formula (100): by reacting (i) a racemic alcohol, (ii) a selected ruthenium complex to activate racemization of the racemic alcohol, (iii) a lipase to selectively acylate one enantiomer of the racemic alcohol, and (iv) an acyl donor compound to supply an acyl group to the lipase.

Abstract: A process for preparing carboxylic esters. A catalytic distillation column filled with acidic catalyst in solid phase is utilized. Alcohol is fed from the bottom of the catalytic distillation column, and carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride is fed from the top of the catalytic distillation column in such a manner that the carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride can remain in the catalytic distillation column for a sufficient time to cause the esterification to produce the carboxylic ester and water. An esterification pre-reactor can be connected in series with the catalytic distillation column to facilitate the esterification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing ethyl acetate by reaction of ethyl alcohol with acetic acid and/or acetic anhydride in the presence of a solid acidic catalyst accompanied by simultaneous distillation separation of reaction components, in which acetic acid or acetic anhydride or a mixture thereof and ethyl alcohol, respectively, are introduced separately in a molar ratio of 2:1 to 1:2.5 and in a defined quantity, per unit volume of catalyst, into a system separated into three zones, whereby, in the reaction zone, the reaction runs simultaneously with distillation separation of components, acetic acid feed is introduced into the reaction zone or above the zone and ethyl alcohol feed is introduced into the reaction zone or below this zone; in the upper separation zone, the volatile mixture is separated; thereafter, it is cooled to 5 to 70° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the production of tertiary butyl esters by the reaction of a ketene and tertiary butyl alcohol containing a finite concentration of water. The process may be carried out in an absorber reactor with continuous recovery and purification of products by distillation. This process provides high-purity tertiary butyl acetate without the production of unwanted by-products found in many strong acid catalyzed processes.

Abstract: Process for the esterification of organic acids with alcohols in a reactor of the chromatographic type in which the heterogeneous solid phase is capable of acting both as an esterification catalyst and as a means exhibiting preferential adsorption towards one of the reaction products (typically water). The process to which the present invention relates is particularly improved compared with conventional technology owing to the use, as the means for regenerating the catalyst, of a desorbent to which has been added a second compound, generally the anhydride of the acid used in the esterification reaction, which, by chemical reaction, completes the removal of the adsorbed water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process wherein a solution of a carboxylic acid in a first solvent and an alcohol are fed to a simulated moving bed reactor (SMBR) containing a solid(s) to produce a first stream comprising a solution of an ester of the carboxylic acid and the alcohol and a second stream comprising the first solvent. The solid(s) present in the SMBR facilitates the esterification reaction and the separation of the first solvent from the carboxylic acid. The process is particularly valuable for the preparation of an alkanol solution of an alkyl 2-keto-L-gulonate ester (AKLG) from an aqueous fermentation broth containing dissolved 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (KLG) by feeding the fermentation broth and an alkanol to a simulated moving bed reactor which contains a solid acidic esterification catalyst to produce a stream comprising an alkanol solution of an ALKG. The alkanol solution of an ALKG may be used directly to convert the ALKG to ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved process for producing ethyl acetate comprising contacting acetic acid and ethanol in a reaction zone in the presence of an acid catalyst, distilling formed vapors and condensing to form an organic phase rich in ethyl acetate and an aqueous phase rich in water, separating the phases and further distilling each phase to obtain a final purified ethyl acetate product and a water stream low in organic components, the improvement comprising directing the organic phase from the first distillation to the reaction zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for conducting equilibrium-limited reactions such as esterification and alcoholysis reactions, using a single reaction zone and an acid separation column containing a rectification zone and a stripping zone. The single reaction zone temperature and pressure are sufficient to crack heavies, e.g., Michael-Addition heavies, formed in or introduced into said single reaction zone and to vaporize at least a portion of the product upon production thereof. The rate of supply of withdrawn bottoms fraction from the acid separation column to the single reaction zone can be controlled and adjusted to provide stable and efficient operation of the acid separation column and single reaction zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of esters from alcohols using acetic acid as acetylating agent and clays as catalysts, which comprises the preparation of esters in a single step from the reaction of aliphatic, acyclic, cyclic, heterocyclic, &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated and aromatic alcohols with carbon atoms in the range of C1 to C10 with acetic acid in a molar ratio of 1:3 to 11 using reusable natural montmorillonite/metal ion-exchanged clay catalysts in the solvent medium of aliphatic, aromatic, or chlorinated hydrocarbons at 30-140° C. for a period in the range of 0.02 to 3.0 hrs, and recovering the corresponding esters by simple work-up procedure.

Abstract: (Acyloxyalkyl)aromatic carboxylic acids are produced by partial oxidation of alkyl substituted aromatic compounds which are represented by the following General Formula (1) CHR1R2—Ar—(R3)n  (1) (where Ar is an aromatic ring of two or greater valency, R1 is a hydrogen atom or alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 3, R2 is a hydrogen atom, alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 3, or —OCOR5 group, R3 is an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 4, —COOH group, —CHO group, —CH2R4 group, or —COOR group, n is an integer of 1 to 5, R4 is a halogen atom, —OH group, or —OCOR5 group, and R5 is an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 4), and carboxylic acids in the presence of oxygen using a catalyst including an element which belongs to Group VIII of the periodic table. (Hydroxyalkyl)alicyclic carboxylic acids are produced by carrying out hydrogenation and hydrolysis using the (acyloxyalkyl)carboxylic acids as a starting material.

Abstract: Process for the esterification of organic acids with alcohols in a reactor of the chromatographic type in which the heterogeneous solid phase is capable of acting both as an esterification catalyst and as a means exhibiting preferential adsorption towards one of the reaction products (typically water). The process to which the present invention relates is particularly improved compared with conventional technology owing to the use, as the means for regenerating the catalyst, of a desorbent to which has been added a second compound, generally the anhydride of the acid used in the esterification reaction, which, by chemical reaction, completes the removal of the adsorbed water.

Abstract: There is provided a compound of the formula[I]: wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a protective group for a hydroxyl group; and A represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a group of the formula A1: Q represents Q3: when A represents a halogen atom or a protective group for a hydroyl group, A represents Q4:  wherein R1 and R2 represent a hydrogen atom or a protective group for a hydroxyl group; and when A represents a hydrogen atom, Q is Q2:

Abstract: A process for methylating an alpha carbon adjacent to an electron withdrawing group includes reacting dimethyl ether with a molecule containing the alpha carbon and the electron withdrawing group to substitute a methyl group on the alpha carbon. The process can be conducted in a vapor phase and can be represented by Equation I: R(CH2)nCH2-EWG+CH3OCH3→R(CH2)nCH(CH3)-EWG+CH3OH  (I) where EWG is the electron withdrawing group, and R is H when n is 0, 1 or 2, and R is alkyl, EWG or aryl when n>2. For example, the molecule reacted with dimethyl ether can be acetic acid, propionic acid, methyl acetate, methyl propionate, acetonitrile, propionitrile and acetone. The process is catalyzed by an acid catalyst containing a Lewis acid functionality. When the electron withdrawing group is an acid, a methyl ester can be formed by esterifying the electron withdrawing group with methanol liberated from dimethyl ether.

Abstract: The invention provides a chain diene compound with desirable regioselectivity, in the presence of a specific ruthenium compound. This chain diene compound is a promising raw material for terpene. It has a structure represented by the general formula (I): wherein R1 represents H, a C1-C6 alkyl group which may be substituted or a C2-C6 alkenyl group which may be substituted, R2 represents a phenyl group which may have a C1-C4 alkyl group or a C1-C12 acyloxy group which may have a phenyl group or a naphthyl group, or a benzyl group or R2 is a hydroxy group which reversibly forms an aldehyde group through shifting of the position of the double bond adjacent to said hydroxy group. The chain diene compound is produced by reacting 2-substituted-1,3-butadienes with terminal olefins in the presence of a ruthenium compound in a hydrophilic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of esters from alcohols using acetic acid as acetylating agent and clays as catalysts, which comprises the preparation of esters in a single step from the reaction of aliphatic, acyclic, cyclic, heterocyclic, &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated and aromatic alcohols with carbon atoms in the range of C1 to C10 with acetic acid in a molar ratio of 1:3 to 11 using reusable natural montmorillonite/metal ion-exchanged clay catalysts in the solvent medium of aliphatic, aromatic, or chlorinated hydrocarbons at 30-140° C. for a period in the range of 0.02 to 3.0 hrs, and recovering the corresponding esters by simple work-up procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing esters or thioesters of trifluoroacetic acid from trifluoroacetyl chloride and an alcohol or a thiol with the ester or thioester being present as the solvent. Esters and thioesters of trifluoroacetic acid are fine chemical intermediates which can be used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, liquid crystals, dyes and industrial chemicals. Trifluoroacetate esters and thioesters can also be used as solvents in the manufacture of other fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, liquid crystals, industrial chemicals and dyes.

Abstract: Sulfur and soap contaminants are removed from carboxylic acid esters by a process comprising the steps of: (1) contacting a carboxylic acid ester with an aqueous base at a temperature of from about 225° F. to about 280° F. while removing water to form a dry, crude ester; (2) contacting the dry, crude ester with an absorbent selected from the group consisting of silica gel, hydro-silica gel and mixtures thereof; (3) separating the absorbent from the ester.

Abstract: A cationic amphipathic compound of formula (I), ##STR1## wherein A is a single bond, an NH--R' grouping or (a), wherein --R'-- is a straight or branched, optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated C.sub.1-22 aliphatic chain optionally interrupted by one or more O, S or N heteroatoms and one or more saturated, unsaturated or aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic radicals; each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which are the same or different, is a higher acyl or alkyl grouping; each of R.sub.7, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9, which are the same or different, is a (CH.sub.2).sub.n alkylene radical where 1.ltoreq.N.ltoreq.6; each of R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6, which are the same or different, is a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted C.sub.1-22 alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or acyl radical optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from), S and N, or one or more saturated, unsaturated or aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic radicals, or else at least two of the groupings R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.

Abstract: A 3-alkoxypropionic ester derivative, an olefin polymerization solid catalyst component using the same, an olefin polymerization catalyst using the same, and a process for the preparation of a polyolefin using the same. The 3-alkoxypropionic ester derivative is represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 represents a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R.sup.3 represents a hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and R.sup.4 represents a branched hydrocarbon group having 3 or more carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for preparing esters from alcohol and carboxylic acid by a) feeding a mixture, comprising at least alcohol and/or carboxylic acid as educts, into a distillation column with separated sections containing reactive and conventional internals, wherein the reactive internals are arranged below the inlet of the mixture and conventional internals are arranged above the inlet of the mixture, b) reaction of the alcohol and the carboxylic acid in the reactive internals in presence of a catalyst, c) distillative separation of the evolving reaction mixture into the higher boiling ester and a lower boiling azeotrope containing alcohol, water and ester, wherein the ester accumulates in the bottom and the azeotrope is removed overhead, d) separation of the azeotrope in a phase separator in an aqueous phase and in an organic phase and the organic phase to be returned to the top of the column, wherein in step b) a heterogenous catalyst is utilized and in step c) the ester is taken off above the bottom as pure produc