PRODUCTION OF METHACRYLIC ACID ESTER

PURPOSE:To obtain the titled compound in high yield, by esterifying methacrylic acid with a lower alcohol in the presence of an acidic solid catalyst, distilling the resultant reaction product, treating the bottom containing unreacted methacrylic acid, etc., with activated carbon and reusing the treated material. CONSTITUTION:Methacrylic acid and a lower alcohol are esterified in the pres ence of an acidic solid catalyst and the obtained reaction product is distilled under atmospheric pressure or reduced pressure to obtain a bottom containing unreacted methacrylic acid and a column top distillate containing water, alcohol and a methacrylic acid ester. The bottom containing methacrylic acid is treated with granular activated carbon having particle diameter of preferably 0.5- 3.3mm at 20-60 deg.C to effect the ready adsorption and removal of methacrylic acid, which is reused for the esterification reaction to obtain the objective compound. The activated carbon can be easily regenerated and reused by pass ing an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide of about 3-10% concentration through the activated carbon at normal temperature and a space velocity of 0.2-3l/l-Hr for 0.5-2hr, washing the treated carbon with water and substituting water with methanol.