Prodn. of carboxylic acid esters - by catalytic gas-phase reaction of nitrile with alcohol and water, used e.g. to convert acrylonitrile to methyl acrylate

Prepn. of carboxylic acid ester is carried out by ontacting a mixt. of nitrile, a monohydric alcohol and H2O in the gas phsae at 100-500 degrees C with a solid catalyst having a m.pt. of >=500 degrees C. The process can be used e.g. to convert acylonitrile to methyl acrylate. Conversions of >90% with >90% selectivity for the ester can be achieved. The process is simple to operate and the prod. is easily is dated; by-produced NH3 is a useful chemical. In an example, methyl acetate is prepd. from acetonitrile and methanol using a catalyst comprising Mo, Cu and Sn on Al silicate.