PREPARATION OF (METH)ACRYLIC ACID ESTERS

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for preparation of (meth)acrylic acid esters from (meth)acrylic acid anhydrides.

Claims

1-8. (canceled)

9. A process for the preparation of a (meth)acrylic acid ester, comprising at least step (a) as follows: (a) reacting a (meth)acrylic acid anhydride of Formula (I): ##STR00003## wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; with a substrate in the presence of a first catalyst to form a product mixture comprising the (meth)acrylic acid ester; and wherein: the substrate is selected from the group consisting of: primary alcohols; secondary alcohols; tertiary alcohols; and phenols; and the first catalyst comprises a salt of magnesium or of a rare earth element.

10. The process of claim 9, wherein the first catalyst comprises: a halide of magnesium or of a rare earth element; a perchlorate of magnesium or of a rare earth element; or a trifluoromethanesulfonate of magnesium or of a rare earth element.

11. The process of claim 9, wherein the first catalyst is selected from the group consisting of: magnesium bromide; magnesium iodide; magnesium chloride; lanthanum (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate; yttrium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate; ytterbium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate; and scandium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate.

12. The process of claim 9, wherein the total amount of the first catalyst in step (a) is between 0.001 mol.-% and 10 mol.-% based on the amount of the substrate.

13. The process of claim 9, wherein the total amount of the first catalyst in step (a) is between 0.01 mol.-% and 1.0 mol.-%, based on the amount of the substrate.

14. The process of claim 9, wherein the temperature during step (a) is in the range of 20° C. to 140° C.

15. The process of claim 9, wherein the temperature during step (a) is in the range of 40° C. to 110° C.

16. The process of claim 9, wherein the substrate comprises a primary alcohol, secondary alcohol, or tertiary alcohol having one hydroxyl group.

17. The process of claim 9, wherein the substrate comprises a primary alcohol, secondary alcohol, or tertiary alcohol having more than one hydroxyl group.

18. The process of claim 9, wherein the molar ratio (meth)acrylic acid anhydride:substrate in step (a) is between 5:1 and 1:5.

19. The process of claim 9, wherein the molar ratio (meth)acrylic acid anhydride: substrate in step (a) is between 3:1 and 1:3.

20. The process of claim 9, further comprising steps (b) and (c) which are carried out after step (a): (b) adding an auxiliary alcohol to the product mixture obtained in step (a), wherein a product mixture comprising the (meth)acrylic acid ester and a (meth)acrylic acid ester of the auxiliary alcohol is formed; and (c) removing the (meth)acrylic acid ester of the auxiliary alcohol from the product mixture obtained in step (b); wherein the auxiliary alcohol is a primary or secondary alcohol having a boiling point of not more than 150° C. measured at 10.sup.5 Pa.

21. The process of claim 20, wherein the auxiliary alcohol is selected from methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, iso-propanol or a mixture thereof.

22. The process of claim 20, wherein the auxiliary alcohol is methanol.

23. The process of claim 20, wherein the auxiliary alcohol is a primary or secondary alcohol having a boiling point of not more than 120° C. measured at 10.sup.5 Pa.

24. The process of claim 20, wherein the auxiliary alcohol is a primary or secondary alcohol having a boiling point of not more than 80° C. measured at 10.sup.5 Pa.

25. The process of claim 20, wherein, in step (c), the (meth)acrylic acid ester of the auxiliary alcohol is removed from the product mixture by distillation.

26. The process of claim 18, wherein the substrate comprises a primary alcohol, secondary alcohol, or tertiary alcohol having one hydroxyl group.

27. The process of claim 26, wherein the process further comprises steps (b) and (c) which are carried out after step (a): (b) adding an auxiliary alcohol to the product mixture obtained in step (a), wherein a product mixture comprising the (meth)acrylic acid ester and a (meth)acrylic acid ester of the auxiliary alcohol is formed; and (c) removing the (meth)acrylic acid ester of the auxiliary alcohol from the product mixture obtained in step (b); wherein the auxiliary alcohol is a primary or secondary alcohol having a boiling point of not more than 150° C. measured at 10.sup.5 Pa.

28. The process of claim 27, wherein the auxiliary alcohol is a primary or secondary alcohol having a boiling point of not more than 120° C. measured at 10.sup.5 Pa.

Description

EXAMPLES

Examples 1-82: Evaluation of Catalytic Activity of the First Catalyst

[0040] As a benchmark reaction for evaluation of the catalytic activity of the first catalyst, acylation of menthol by methacrylic anhydride was investigated.

[0041] Preparation of a Stock Solution of Menthol and Methacrylic Anhydride

[0042] 158 g (1.0 mol) of natural menthol and 161.9 g (1.05 mol) of methacrylic anhydride, stabilized with 2000 ppm of 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol and 1000 ppm of hydroquinone monomethyl ether and 10 ppm of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinooxyl (ppm based on the total mass of anhydride and alcohol) were combined. The obtained mixture was gently heated in the absence of any catalyst and a clear stock solution was obtained.

[0043] General Procedure for Examples 1-67:

[0044] 7.0 g samples of the stock solution were placed in a 15 mL pressure tube with a Teflon® plug and a magnetic agitator. To this solution, 0.1 mol % (unless indicated otherwise), based on the menthol, of the first catalyst were added and the pressure tube was tightly closed. Subsequently, the pressure tubes were placed for 3 h in an oil bath at 50° C. with an integrated magnetic stirrer and stirred.

[0045] A sample without any catalyst (Example 35) in the oil bath at 50° C. served as a reference sample, a further sample of the stock solution was kept at room temperature as a reaction control. After 3 hours, the conversion and the product yield were determined by gas chromatography (area-%).

[0046] The results of Examples 1-67 are summarised in Table 1 below:

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Evaluation of catalytic activity of the first catalyst with methacrylic acid anhydride Ex- Conversion Product yield ample First catalyst (area-%, GC) (area-%, GC) 1 magnesium bromide, anhydrous 59.1 45.1 2 magnesium bromide, hydrate 58.9 45.0 3 ytterbium (III) triflate, hydrate 57.7 44.2 4 dysprosium (III) perchlorate 56.8 41.5 hexahydrate, 50 wt.-% in water 5 magnesium-bis- 46.3 36.7 (trifluoromethylsulfonylimide) 6 scandium (III) triflate 44.7 29.5 7 magnesium iodide, anhydrous 40.0 30.9 8 europium (III) perchlorate 39.8 28.3 50 wt.-% in water 9 ytterbium (III) perchlorate 39.0 27.1 50 wt.-% in water 10 magnesium perchlorate, anhydrous 35.4 25.5 11 magnesium chloride, anhydrous 35.0 24.6 12 magnesium nitrate, hexahydrate 26.6 18.4 13 manganese (II) perchlorate, 22.3 15.5 hexahydrate 14 magnesium acetate, tetrahydrate 19.1 10.1 15 lanthanum (III) triflate, anhydrous 19.0 13.0 16 bismuth (III) triflate 18.9 12.5 17 4-dimethylaminopyridine (2.0 mol %) 18.6 12.2 18 zinc perchlorate, hexahydrate 18.0 12.2 19 magnesium acetylacetonate, 17.2 11.8 anhydrous 20 magnesium methacrylate 16.6 10.4 21 magnesium acrylate 16.0 10.6 22 benzyltriethylammonium chloride 13.4 1.3 23 tin (II) chloride, dihydrate 12.8 7.8 24 iron (III) perchlorate, hydrate (violet) 12.3 7.8 25 aluminium perchlorate, nonahydrate 12.3 7.6 26 indium (III) perchlorate, octahydrate 11.9 7.4 27 Dowex ® M31 (1.0 mol.-%) 11.5 4.0 28 gallium (III) perchlorate, hydrate 11.4 6.9 29 cadmium perchlorate, hexahydrate 9.9 4.7 30 iron (III) perchlorate, hydrate (yellow) 9.9 5.7 31 trimethylsilyl triflate 9.3 5.4 32 calcium chloride 8.8 4.2 33 Dowex ® M31 (0.1 mol.-%) 8.0 1.9 34 zinc acetate, anhydrous 7.9 3.4 35 no catalyst 7.2 0.8 36 1.4-bis(hexafluoro-α- 6.4 1.5 hydroxyisopropyl) benzene, hydrate 37 4-dimethylaminopyridine 6.4 2.6 38 silver perchlorate, monohydrate 5.0 0.8 39 zeolite (aluminium silicate) 6.3 1.1 40 magnesium triflate (0.1 mol %) + 6.2 4.3 tetramethylammonium bromide (0.2 mol %) 41 N,N′-diphenylthiourea 6.0 1.8 42 sodium methacrylate 5.9 3.3 43 lithium perchlorate, trihydrate 5.8 0.9 44 cobalt (II) chloride, anhydrous 5.7 2.3 45 sulfuric acid 5.6 5.1 46 sodium perchlorate, anhydrous 5.6 0.8 47 tetramethylammonium bromide 5.5 1.1 48 calcium perchlorate, hydrate 5.3 1.3 49 magnesium carbonate 5.3 1.1 50 4-methylaminopyridine 5.1 2.2 51 silver perchlorate, monohydrate 5.0 0.8 52 barium perchlorate, trihydrate 4.7 0.8 53 methanesulfonic acid 4.6 2.4 54 rubidium perchlorate, anhydrous 4.6 0.8 55 potassium perchlorate 4.5 0.7 56 zinc bromide, anhydrous 4.5 1.6 57 cesium perchlorate 4.5 0.7 58 magnesium triflate 4.4 2.2 59 barium chloride, dihydrate 4.4 1.4 60 magnesium sulphate, anhydrous 4.3 1.4 61 magnesium sulphate, hydrate 3.9 0.7 62 magnesium hydrogenphosphate, 3.4 1.3 trihydrate 63 magnesium triflate 3.3 1.2 64 zinc (II) chloride 3.2 1.7 65 sodium iodide 2.8 1.0 66 tetramethylammonium bromide 2.6 0.8 (0.2 mol %) 67 potassium triflate 2.4 1.1

[0047] The data presented in Table 1 show that various catalysts (Lewis acids, Brønsted acids, tertiary amines), which are commonly employed for acylation of alcohols with acetic acid anhydride, are not suitable for use with (meth)acrylic acid anhydrides. Under the tested reaction conditions, use of these catalysts led to a conversion of not more than 18%.

[0048] Surprisingly, salts of magnesium and of a rare earth element showed a significantly higher catalytic activity under the same reaction conditions.

[0049] The data in Table 1 further show that also the nature of the anion has a strong effect on the catalytic activity of the tested salts. Contrary to expectations of the inventors, no correlation between the Lewis acid strength of the anions of the tested salts and their catalytic activity was found. Magnesium halogenides and trifluoromethanesulfones of rare earth metals surprisingly showed the highest catalytic activity in acylation with (meth) acrylic acid anhydrides. Perchlorates of the above metals also showed a good catalytic activity.

Reference Examples 68-76: Evaluation of Catalytic Activity of the First Catalyst

[0050] As reference examples for evaluation of the catalytic activity of the first catalyst, acylation of menthol by acetic acid anhydride was investigated.

[0051] Preparation of a Stock Solution of Menthol and Methacrylic Anhydride

[0052] 37.8 g (0.17 mol) of natural menthol and 161.9 g (0.1785 mol) of acetic acid anhydride were combined. The obtained mixture was gently heated in the absence of any catalyst and a clear stock solution was obtained.

[0053] General Procedure for Examples 68-76

[0054] 7 g samples of the stock solution were placed in a 15 mL pressure tube with a Teflon® plug and a magnetic agitator. To this solution, 0.1 mol % (unless indicated otherwise), based on the menthol, of the first catalyst were added and the pressure tube was tightly closed. Subsequently, the pressure tubes were placed for 3 h in an oil bath at 50° C. (unless indicated otherwise) with an integrated magnetic stirrer and stirred.

[0055] After 3 hours, the contents of acetic acid, acetic acid anhydride, menthol and of the product were determined by gas chromatography (area-%). Based on these data, the reaction conversion, based on the acetic acid anhydride and on the menthol was calculated.

[0056] The results of Examples 68-76 are summarised in Table 2 below:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Evaluation of catalytic activity of the first catalyst with acetic acid anhydride AcOH Ac.sub.2O Menthol Product Conversion Ac.sub.2O Conversion menthol Example First catalyst (area-%, GC) (area-%, GC) (area-%, GC) (area-%, GC) (area-%, GC) (area-%, GC) 68 no catalyst, before reaction start 0.0 17.42 81.89 0.0 0.0 0.0 69 no catalyst, 3 h at 23° C. 0.0 17.01 80.82 0.0 2.30 1.30 70 no catalyst, 3 h at 50° C. 0.98 15.51 71.98 11.15 11.00 12.10 71 magnesium bromide, anhydrous 7.38 2.02 7.7 82.48 88.40 90.60 72 ytterbium (III) triflate, hydrate 8.31 0.29 0.03 90.98 98.40 100.00 73 scandium triflate 8.24 0.25 0.02 91.1 98.60 100.00 74 lanthanum (III) triflate 7.82 0.3 0.0 91.53 98.30 100.00 75 zinc perchlorate, hexahydrate 7.35 0.30 0.0 91.96 98.30 100.0 76 4-dimethylaminopyridine, 2 7.43 0.7 1.28 90.6 96.00 98.40 mol.-%

[0057] The data in Table 2 confirm that commonly employed acylation catalysts such as 4-dimethylaminopyridine show an excellent catalytic activity with acetic acid anhydride. However, these catalysts surprisingly fail when used with methacrylic acid anhydride (cf. Table 1 above). This shows that common general knowledge on the catalytic behaviour of typical acylation catalysts is not applicable to acylation with (meth)acrylic acid anhydrides.

Examples 77-95: Evaluation of Catalytic Activity of the First Catalyst at 90° C.

[0058] As a benchmark reaction for evaluation of the catalytic activity of the first catalyst, acylation of menthol by methacrylic anhydride at 90° C. was investigated.

[0059] Preparation of a Stock Solution of Menthol and Methacrylic Anhydride

[0060] 158 g (1.0 mol) of natural menthol and 161.9 g (1.05 mol) of methacrylic anhydride, stabilized with 2000 ppm of 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol and 1000 ppm of hydroquinone monomethyl ether and 10 ppm of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinooxyl (ppm based on the total mass of anhydride and alcohol) were combined. The obtained mixture was gently heated in the absence of any catalyst and a clear stock solution was obtained.

[0061] General Procedure for Example 77-95:

[0062] 7.0 g samples of the stock solution were placed in a 15 mL pressure tube with a Teflon® plug and a magnetic agitator. To this solution, 0.1 mol % (unless indicated otherwise), based on the menthol, of the first catalyst were added and the pressure tube was tightly closed. Subsequently, the pressure tubes were placed for 3 h in an oil bath at 90° C. with an integrated magnetic stirrer and stirred.

[0063] A sample without any catalyst (Example 93) in the oil bath at 90° C. served as a reference sample. After 3 hours, the conversion and the product yield were determined by gas chromatography (area-%).

[0064] The results of Examples 77-95 are summarised in Table 3 below:

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Evaluation of catalytic activity of the first catalyst with methacrylic acid anhydride at 90° C. Conversion Product yield Example First catalyst (area-%, GC) (area-%, GC) 77 lanthanum (III) perchlorate, hexahydrate 99.10 78.2 78 lanthanum (III) triflate, hydrate 98.50 78.5 79 lanthanum (III) triflate, anhydrous 97.90 79.0 80 lanthanum (III) bromide, heptahydrate 77.60 59.2 81 magnesium bromide, hexahydrate 77.00 60.5 82 magnesium bromide 75.00 61.0 83 lanthanum (III) chloride, heptahydrate 67.40 50.8 84 lanthanum (III) methacrylate 66.20 49.2 85 lanthanum (III) nitrate, hexahydrate 65.00 48.5 86 lanthanum (III) nitrate 62.90 47.3 87 lanthanum (III) acetate, hydrate 62.80 48.4 88 lanthanum (III) acetylacetonate, hydrate 62.80 48.7 89 lanthanum (III) chloride, hexahydrate 57.90 44.8 90 lanthanum (III) methanesulfonate 54.70 41.5 91 lanthanum (III) sulphate, hydrate 40.20 28.4 92 lanthanum (III) phosphate, hydrate 40.20 28.3 93 no catalyst 38.90 28.7 94 zinc chloride 38.90 30.0 95 lanthanum (III) oxalate, decahydrate 38.50 28.7

[0065] Experimental data in Table 3 confirm that lanthanum (III) salts have an excellent catalytic activity at 90° C. which is even higher than the catalytic activity of magnesium bromide at this temperature. The data further illustrate that the catalysts may be employed both as anhydrous salts and as hydrates without any noticeable loss of catalytic activity.

[0066] The conversion in the Reference Example 93 i.e. in the absence of any catalyst was 38.90%. Remarkably, use of strong Lewis acids such as zinc chloride (cf. Example 94) brought no improvements beyond the conversion level of 38.90%.

Examples 96-103: Evaluation of Catalytic Activity of the First Catalyst with Glycerin Carbonate

[0067] As a benchmark reaction for evaluation of the catalytic activity of the first catalyst, acylation of glycerin carbonate by methacrylic anhydride at 80° C. was investigated.

[0068] Preparation of a Stock Solution of Glycerin Carbonate and Methacrylic Anhydride

[0069] 118 g (1.0 mol) of glycerin carbonate and 162.0 g (1.05 mol) of methacrylic anhydride, stabilized with 2000 ppm of 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol and 1000 ppm of hydroquinone monomethyl ether and 10 ppm of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinooxyl (ppm based on the total mass of anhydride and alcohol) were combined. The obtained mixture was gently heated in the absence of any catalyst and a clear stock solution was obtained.

[0070] General Procedure for Example 96-103:

[0071] 7.0 g samples of the stock solution were placed in a 15 mL pressure tube with a Teflon® plug and a magnetic agitator. To this solution, 0.1 mol % (unless indicated otherwise), based on the glycerin carbonate, of the first catalyst were added and the pressure tube was tightly closed. Subsequently, the pressure tubes were placed for 6 h in an oil bath at 80° C. with an integrated magnetic stirrer and stirred.

[0072] A sample without any catalyst (Example 96) in the oil bath at 80° C. served as a reference sample. After 6 hours, the conversion and the product yield were determined by gas chromatography (area-%).

[0073] The results of Examples 96-103 are summarised in Table 4 below:

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Evaluation of catalytic activity of the first catalyst with methacrylic acid anhydride and glycerin carbonate at 80° C. Conversion Product yield Example First catalyst (area-%, GC) (area-%, GC)  96 no catalyst  6.00% 13.90%  97 magnesium bromide 37.50% 27.90%  98 magnesium chloride 45.70% 31.60%  99 zinc perchlorate, hexahydrate polymer — formation 100 4-dimethylaminopyridine  3.70% 15.30% 101 lanthanium (III) triflate 91.30% 48.40% 102 sulfuric acid, 1.0 mol.-% polymer — formation 103 zinc chloride  0.40% 10.30%

[0074] The results in Table 4 show that in the absence of any catalyst (Reference Example 96) the conversion was as low as 6.00%. Use of known acylation catalysts such as 4-dimethyl-aminopyridine (Example 100) and zinc chloride (Example 103) failed to bring any improvements. On the contrary, the product conversion in these examples was even lower than in the absence of any catalyst.

[0075] In the presence of zinc perchlorate (Reference Example 99) or sulphuric acid (Reference Example 102) an undesired polymer formation took place. Thus, no desired product could be detected.

[0076] Finally, use of the catalysts according to the present invention allowed preparation of the desired product in moderate to excellent yields.

Examples 104-111: Evaluation of Catalytic Activity of the First Catalyst with Isopropanol

[0077] As a benchmark reaction for evaluation of the catalytic activity of the first catalyst, acylation of isopropanol by methacrylic anhydride at 90° C. was investigated.

[0078] Preparation of a Stock Solution of Isopropanol and Methacrylic Anhydride

[0079] 30.1 g (0.50 mol) of isopropanol and 108.0 g (0.7 mol) of methacrylic anhydride, stabilized with 2000 ppm of 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol and 1000 ppm of hydroquinone monomethyl ether and 10 ppm of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinooxyl (ppm based on the total mass of anhydride and alcohol) were combined. The obtained mixture was gently heated in the absence of any catalyst and a clear stock solution was obtained.

[0080] General Procedure for Example 104-111:

[0081] 7.0 g samples of the stock solution were placed in a 15 mL pressure tube with a Teflon® plug and a magnetic agitator. To this solution, 0.1 mol % (unless indicated otherwise), based on the isopropanol, of the first catalyst were added and the pressure tube was tightly closed. Subsequently, the pressure tubes were placed for 6 h in an oil bath at 90° C. with an integrated magnetic stirrer and stirred.

[0082] A sample without any catalyst (Example 104) in the oil bath at 90° C. served as a reference sample. After 6 hours, the conversion and the product yield were determined by gas chromatography (area-%).

[0083] The results of Examples 104-111 are summarised in Table 5 below:

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Evaluation of catalytic activity of the first catalyst with methacrylic acid anhydride and isopropanol at 90° C. Conversion Product yield Example First catalyst (area-%, GC) (area-%, GC) 104 no catalyst 46.60% 39.80% 105 magnesium bromide 66.00% 53.00% 106 magnesium perchlorate 68.40% 53.40% 107 magnesium chloride 66.40% 51.90% 108 zinc perchlorate, hexahydrate polymer — formation 109 4-dimethylaminopyridine 59.90% 44.80% (2.0 mol.-%) 110 sodium methacrylate 52.20% 42.70% 111 zeolite 47.90% 42.20%

[0084] The results in Table 5 show that in the absence of any catalyst (Reference Example 104) the conversion was 46.60%. Use of a known acylation catalyst 4-dimethylaminopyridine (Reference Example 109) brought only moderate improvements.

[0085] In the presence of zinc perchlorate (Reference Example 108) an undesired polymer formation took place and no desired product could be detected.

Examples 112-119: Evaluation of Catalytic Activity of the First Catalyst with Hexafluoroisopropanol

[0086] As a benchmark reaction for evaluation of the catalytic activity of the first catalyst, acylation of hexafluoroisopropanol by methacrylic anhydride at 90° C. was investigated.

[0087] Preparation of a Stock Solution of Hexafluoroisopropanol and Methacrylic Anhydride

[0088] 50.4 g (0.30 mol) of hexafluoroisopropanol and 64.8 g (0.42 mol) of methacrylic anhydride, stabilized with 2000 ppm of 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol and 1000 ppm of hydroquinone monomethyl ether and 10 ppm of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinooxyl (ppm based on the total mass of anhydride and alcohol) were combined. The obtained mixture was gently heated in the absence of any catalyst and a clear stock solution was obtained.

[0089] General Procedure for Example 112-119:

[0090] 7.0 g samples of the stock solution were placed in a 15 mL pressure tube with a Teflon® plug and a magnetic agitator. To this solution, 0.1 mol % (unless indicated otherwise), based on the hexafluoroisopropanol, of the first catalyst were added and the pressure tube was tightly closed. Subsequently, the pressure tubes were placed for 6 h in an oil bath at 90° C. with an integrated magnetic stirrer and stirred.

[0091] A sample without any catalyst (Reference Example 112) in the oil bath at 90° C. served as a reference sample. After 6 hours, the conversion and the product yield were determined by gas chromatography (area-%).

[0092] The results of Examples 112-119 are summarised in Table 6 below:

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Evaluation of catalytic activity of the first catalyst with methacrylic acid anhydride and hexafluoroisopropanol at 90° C. Conversion Product yield Example First catalyst (area-%, GC) (area-%, GC) 112 no catalyst  43.80% 34.30% 113 Dowex ® M31 polymer — formation 114 magnesium bromide  67.10% 20.10% 115 magnesium chloride  67.70% 19.70% 116 zinc perchlorate, hexahydrate polymer — formation 117 4-dimethylaminopyridine 100.00%  0.00% (2.0 mol.-%) 118 sodium methacrylate  45.40% 33.30% 119 Zeolite  44.90% 33.60%

[0093] The results in Table 6 show that in the absence of any catalyst (Reference Example 112) the conversion was 43.80%.

[0094] In the presence of zinc perchlorate (Reference Example 116) and Dowex® M31 (Reference Example 113) an undesired polymer formation took place and no desired product could be detected.

Examples 120-127: Evaluation of Catalytic Activity of the First Catalyst with Tert-Butanol

[0095] As a benchmark reaction for evaluation of the catalytic activity of the first catalyst, acylation of tert-butanol by methacrylic anhydride at 90° C. was investigated.

[0096] Preparation of a Stock Solution of Tert.-Butanol and Methacrylic Anhydride

[0097] 37.1 g (0.50 mol) of tert-butanol and 107.9 g (0.70 mol) of methacrylic anhydride, stabilized with 2000 ppm of 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol and 1000 ppm of hydroquinone monomethyl ether and 10 ppm of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinooxyl (ppm based on the total mass of anhydride and alcohol) were combined. The obtained mixture was gently heated in the absence of any catalyst and a clear stock solution was obtained.

[0098] General Procedure for Example 137-127:

[0099] 7.0 g samples of the stock solution were placed in a 15 mL pressure tube with a Teflon® plug and a magnetic agitator. To this solution, 0.1 mol % (unless indicated otherwise), based on the tert.-butanol, of the first catalyst were added and the pressure tube was tightly closed. Subsequently, the pressure tubes were placed for 6 h in an oil bath at 90° C. with an integrated magnetic stirrer and stirred.

[0100] A sample without any catalyst (Reference Example 120) in the oil bath at 90° C. served as a reference sample. After 6 hours, the conversion and the product yield were determined by gas chromatography (area-%).

[0101] The results of Examples 120-127 are summarised in Table 7 below:

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Evaluation of catalytic activity of the first catalyst with methacrylic acid anhydride and tert.-butanol at 90° C. Conversion Product yield Example First catalyst (area-%, GC) (area-%, GC) 120 no catalyst  7.50 56.40 121 Dowex ® M31 polymer — formation 122 magnesium bromide 24.40 46.10 123 magnesium perchlorate 72.00 17.10 124 zinc perchlorate, hexahydrate polymer — formation 125 4-dimethylaminopyridine 17.40 50.40 (2.0 mol.-%) 126 sodium methacrylate  4.50 58.20 127 zeolite  5.50 57.60

[0102] The results in Table 7 show that in the absence of any catalyst (Reference Example 120) the conversion was as low as 7.50%.

[0103] In the presence of zinc perchlorate (Reference Example 124) and Dowex® M31 (Reference Example 121) an undesired polymer formation took place. Thus, no desired product could be detected.

[0104] Use of magnesium bromide (Example 122) and of magnesium perchlorate (Example 123) i.e. of the catalysts according to the present invention allowed a significant yield improvement.

Examples 128-137: Evaluation of Catalytic Activity of the First Catalyst with 4-Hydroxybenzophenone

[0105] As a benchmark reaction for evaluation of the catalytic activity of the first catalyst, acylation of 4-hydroxybenzophenone by methacrylic anhydride at 90° C. was investigated.

[0106] Preparation of a Stock Solution of 4-Hydroxybenzophenone and Methacrylic Anhydride

[0107] 3.35 g (0.017 mol) of 4-hydroxybenzophenone and 3.65 g (0.024 mol) of methacrylic anhydride, stabilized with 2000 ppm of 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol and 1000 ppm of hydroquinone monomethyl ether and 10 ppm of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinooxyl (ppm based on the total mass of anhydride and alcohol) were combined. The obtained mixture was gently heated in the absence of any catalyst and a clear stock solution was obtained.

[0108] General Procedure for Example 128-137:

[0109] 7.0 g samples of the stock solution were placed in a 15 mL pressure tube with a Tefon® plug and a magnetic agitator. To this solution, 0.1 mol % (unless indicated otherwise), based on the tert-butanol, of the first catalyst were added and the pressure tube was tightly closed. Subsequently, the pressure tubes were placed for 6 h in an oil bath at 90° C. with an integrated magnetic stirrer and stirred.

[0110] A sample without any catalyst (Reference Example 128) in the oil bath at 90° C. served as a reference sample. After 6 hours, the conversion and the product yield were determined by gas chromatography (area-%).

[0111] The results of Examples 128-137 are summarised in Table 8 below:

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Evaluation of catalytic activity of the first catalyst with methacrylic acid anhydride 4-hydroxybenzophenone at 90° C. Conversion Product yield Example First catalyst (area-%, GC) (area-%, GC) 128 no catalyst 30.90% 26.30% 129 ytterbium (III) triflate, hydrate 83.60% 73.30% 130 magnesium bromide 70.00% 62.20% 131 magnesium perchlorate 67.90% 61.90% 132 magnesium chloride 70.20% 66.10% 133 zinc perchlorate, hexahydrate polymer — formation 134 4-dimethylaminopyridine 76.00% 70.10% (2.0 mol.-%) 135 sodium methacrylate 60.60% 57.70% 136 zeolite 37.70% 33.70% 137 lanthanum (III) triflate 70.60% 63.60%

[0112] The results in Table 8 show that in the absence of any catalyst (Reference Example 128) the conversion was 30.9%.

[0113] In the presence of zinc perchlorate (Reference Example 133) an undesired polymer formation took place. Thus, no desired product could be detected.

[0114] Use of various catalysts according to the present invention allowed a significant yield improvement.

Examples 138-155: Catalytic Activity of Different Amounts of the First Catalyst

[0115] As a benchmark reaction for evaluation of the catalytic activity of different amounts of the first catalyst, acylation of menthol by methacrylic anhydride at 90° C. was investigated.

[0116] Preparation of a Stock Solution of Menthol and Methacrylic Anhydride

[0117] 78.1 g (0.50 mol) of natural menthol and 107.9 g (0.70 mol) of methacrylic anhydride, stabilized with 2000 ppm of 2,4-dimethyl-8-tert-butylphenol and 1000 ppm of hydroquinone monomethyl ether and 10 ppm of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinooxyl (ppm based on the total mass of anhydride and alcohol) were combined. The obtained mixture was gently heated in the absence of any catalyst and a clear stock solution was obtained.

[0118] General Procedure for Example 138-155:

[0119] 7.0 g samples of the stock solution were placed in a 15 mL pressure tube with a Teflon® plug and a magnetic agitator. To this solution, the first catalyst was added and the pressure tube was tightly closed. Subsequently, the pressure tubes were in an oil bath at 90° C. with an integrated magnetic stirrer and stirred.

[0120] A sample without any catalyst (Reference Example 138) in the oil bath at 90° C. served as a reference sample. After the time periods indicated in Table 9, the conversion and the product yield were determined by gas chromatography (area-%).

[0121] The results of Examples 138-155 are summarised in Table 9 below:

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Evaluation of catalytic activity of the first catalyst with methacrylic acid anhydride and menthol at 90° C. First catalyst Product yield Example First catalyst Reaction time (h) content (mol %) (area-%, GC) 138 magnesium bromide, hydrate 2 h —  8.40% 139 magnesium bromide, hydrate 2 h 0.05 15.10% 140 magnesium bromide, hydrate 2 h  0.1 20.80% 141 magnesium bromide, hydrate 2 h  0.2 25.50% 142 magnesium bromide, hydrate 2 h  0.5 29.60% 143 magnesium bromide, hydrate 2 h  1.0 33.00% 144 magnesium bromide, hydrate 2 h  5.0 40.00% 145 magnesium bromide, hydrate 4 h — 13.90% 146 magnesium bromide, hydrate 4 h 0.05 24.90% 147 magnesium bromide, hydrate 4 h  0.1 29.80% 148 magnesium bromide, hydrate 4 h  0.2 32.80% 149 magnesium bromide, hydrate 4 h  0.5 37.80% 150 magnesium bromide, hydrate 4 h  1.0 41.90% 151 magnesium bromide, hydrate 4 h  5.0 47.30% 152 magnesium bromide, hydrate 6 h  0.1 35.20% 153 magnesium bromide, hydrate 6 h 0.25 37.80% 154 lanthanum (III) triflate 6 h  0.1 39.00% 155 lanthanum (III) triflate 6 h 0.25 45.70%

[0122] The data in Table 9 show that the optimal amount of the first catalyst is typically between ca. 0.1 mol.-% and ca. 0.5 mol.-%, based on the amount of the substrate.