Studies in trans‐esterification. I. Synthesis of n‐alkyl methacrylates

The preparation of n‐alkyl methacrylates by trans‐esterification has been studied. An optimum procedure for the synthesis of n‐butyl methacrylate was developed by examining the suitability of quinol as polymerisation inhibitor and the effects of catalyst concentration and of the mole ratios of the reactants used. The mole ratio of alkanol to acid was particularly important, the optimum being much lower than that previously reported. The conclusions where they can be compared are in agreement with the results of similar work reported by Dvořkák in 1958. By the method proposed, the reaction period and the time to recover the ester were reduced, and the yield was greatly increased. The general applicability of the method was established by the preparation of a series of n‐alkyl methacrylates.