Mechanism and Kinetic Study on Synthesis of Methacrolein Catalyzed by Amine/Acid

Methacrolein (MAL) is an important intermediate extensively used in the manufacture of methyl methacrylate and other materials (polymers resins). In this study, a series secondary amines/acids were explored as catalysts for condensation formaldehyde propionaldehyde to prepare MAL. It was found that structure amines acids directly affected yield The effect catalyst closely related nucleophilicity well steric hindrance effect, while also played role co-catalysts. Dibutylamine acetate selected after investigation. catalytic performance system systematically studied by single-factor experiments, including stirring rate, temperature, reaction time, acid/amine ratio, solvent, optimized conditions obtained. optimum condition, MAL up 97.3%. Kinetic experiments performed MAL, activation energies, orders, rate-limiting step determined. results indicate decomposition Mannich base step.