Benzene → Dimethyl Phthalate

Participants

Reaction Steps

Accordingly the present invention provides a method of producing dimethyl phthalate, which comprises treating phthalic anhydride with methanol, adding a catalyst, such as sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid or mixture thereof and a promoter, such as, dimethyl sulphate; refluxing the resultant mixture at a temperature in the range of 60 to 100 degree Celsius, for a time period in the range of 6 to 12 hours, in the presence of benzene; separating the distillate into two layers; removing the aqueous layer and recycling the benzene layer, recovering unreacted methanol by distillation; neutralizing the residue with caustic soda followed by extraction with benzene; distilling the extract under vacuum to obtain benzene; continuing the distillation process at a temperature in the range of 145 to 146 degree Celsius under 10 mm of mercury to obtain dimethyl phthalate.

Provenance & Evidence