PROCESS FOR PRODUCING 2,5-FURANDICARBOXYLIC ACID DIALKYL ESTER

Disclosed herein are processes for producing 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid dialkyl ester. In one embodiment, the process comprises a) contacting 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, excess alcohol, and optionally, a catalyst in a reactor at a temperature in the range of from 50° C. to 325° C. and a pressure in the range of between 1 bar to 140 bar to form a liquid phase composition comprising an ester of 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, the alcohol and water; b) lowering the temperature of the liquid phase composition to form a crude crystallized ester of 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid; c) separating the product of step b) to form a solids phase comprising a purified ester of 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid and a mother liquor comprising alcohol and water; and d) removing at least a portion of the water from the mother liquor. In one embodiment, the 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid is contacted with an alcohol source and optionally, a catalyst.