| 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 obtained by reducing with hydrogen a catalyst precursor obtained by the reaction of an alkali hydroxide with a zirconium salt, a copper salt, and a salt of at least one of the metals as components of the oxides in the group; 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. |