Kinetics of transesterification of dimethyl 2,6‐naphthalenedicarboxylate with 1,3‐propanediol

Abstract The kinetics of transesterification of dimethyl 2,6‐naphthalenedicarboxylate (2,6‐DMN) with 1,3‐propanediol has been studied in the presence of various catalysts. The reaction was followed by measurement of the amount of methanol released, and the formation of oligomers with time. The oligomers obtained were quantitatively determined by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Interpretation of the experimental data showed that the transesterification followed Schulz‐Flory statistics. Therefore, one kinetic constant was sufficient to describe the kinetics of transesterification of 2,6‐DMN with 1,3‐propanediol. The kinetic constants observed, when different catalysts were employed, revealed the following activity sequence for the transesterification: Co(II) < Ti(IV) < Mn(II) < Zn(II). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 2039–2046, 2001