Catalytic synthesis of dimethyl fumarate using calcium oxide as desiccant

Comparing the catalytic activity, factors of safety and economy, sodium bisulfate was employed as the catalyst in the condensation reaction of fumaric acid and methanol. Using calcium oxide as the desiccant, was an effective method of removing water for the methanol esterification.The route is featured by simple operation,short reaction time, high product purity and so on. The reaction condition was optimized: the molar ratio between fumaric acid and methanol was 1∶10,usage of catalyst was 15% of fumaric acid,the reaction was carried out at 75 ℃ while stirring rate was 136 r/min,refluxing for 5 h,the yield was up to 74.9%. The product was analyzed by UV,IR and HPLC.