| abstract |
A catalyst for ester production which comprises zirconium oxide, copper, and at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, chromium oxide, aluminum oxide and silicon oxide, and is obtainable by reducing with hydrogen a catalyst precursor prepared by the reaction of a salt containing at least one of metals constituting the oxides, a zirconium salt and a copper salt with an alkali hydroxide; and a process for producing an ester which comprises bringing either an alcohol or an alcohol and an aldehyde into contact with this catalyst in a gas phase. |