| abstract |
A process for the transesterification of keto esters and alcohols in approximately stoichiometric amounts using a solid acid catalyst. Solid acid catalysts may be sulfated zirconia, sulfated tin oxide, sulfated titania, sulfated iron oxide, heteropoly acids, acidic clays, acidic zeolites, or any other solid acids with high acidity or super acidity, with or without dopants. One equivalent or more of keto ester, one equivalent or more of alcohol, the solid acid catalyst, and an appropriate solvent are mixed and heated to 70 to 120° C. at atmospheric or reduced pressure to furnish the keto transester in high yields. |