| abstract |
The present invention is directed to processes for obtaining benzene carboxylic acid esters for use as plasticizers, among other application possibilities. The process according to the invention starts from the esterification reaction between alcohol, which may be a glycol or a monoalcohol, and benzene carboxylic acid in the presence of acid catalyst, in the temperature range 150 to 250 ° C, in stoichiometric mass ratios or with excess alcohol or acid, in the presence of an azeotropic agent (distillation aid), further comprising neutralizing the temperature below 80 ° C with alkaline solutions and adding these solutions to the system with constant or non-constant flow, and further washing step with saline or water only and drying and filtration steps, and, where necessary, a stripping step for removal of excess reagents and / or azeotropic agent. |