Formation of Methyl Acrylate from Methyl Acetate and Formaldehyde Condensation over Solid Base Catalysts

The vapor-phase aldol condensation of methyl acetate (MeOAC) with formaldehyde (HCHO) to form methyl acrylate was investigated over solid base catalysts. A variety of solid base catalysts were prepared by loading Cs2O over SiO2 or Al2O3 as the support materials. The properties of the solid base catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET and CO2-TPD. The results of the vapor-phase aldol condensation indicated that SiO2 and Al2O3 modified with Cs2O showed high conversation of methyl acetate and high selectivity of methyl acrylate. 22.6% conversation of methyl acetate and 16.5% yield of acrylic acid and methyl acrylate were obtained over Cs-Al2O3. In addition, Cs-SiO2 exhibited about 42% selectivity to methyl acetate. The high yield of acrylic acid and methyl acrylate is attributed to the high base property of catalysts.