PRODUCTION OF AROMATIC CARBOXYLIC ACID ESTER

PURPOSE:To produce the titled compound in high yield, selectivity and efficiency, by adding an alcoholic solution of a caustic alkali to an alcoholic suspention of an aromatic carboxylic acid halide, wherein the amount of the caustic alkali in the solution is selected to give a specific alkali to halide ratio. CONSTITUTION:An aromatic carboxylic acid such as 2,5-dichloroterephthalic acid dimethyl ester can be produced by adding an alcoholic solution of a caustic alkali, e.g. a solution of NaOH dissolved in methanol to the suspension obtained by dispersing an aromatic carboxylic acid halide such as 2,5-dichloroterephthaloyl dichloride in an alcohol such as methanol, thereby effecting the esterification of the acid chloride. The amount of the caustic alkali to be added to the reaction system is selected to be less than equivalent, preferably 1/10 equivalent of the solubility of the aromatic carboxylic acid halide in the alcohol. EFFECT:The reaction time can be shortened. USE:Intermediate for various organic chemicals such as agricultural chemicals, flame retardants, dyes, pigments, etc.