Synthesis of Methyl Methacrylate: A Vital Industrial Process
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a key compound in the production of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is widely used in various industries, including automotive, construction, and electronics. The industrial synthesis of MMA involves several steps and chemical reactions, utilizing different raw materials and catalysts. Raw Materials The primary raw materials for the industrial synthesis of MMA are acetone, methanol, and hydrocyanic acid (HCN). These materials serve as the building blocks for the synthesis process. Acetone is derived from isopropyl alcohol, while methanol is typically obtained from natural gas or biomass sources. Hydrocyanic acid is produced via the Andrussow process, which involves the reaction of methane, ammonia, and oxygen at high temperatures. Esterification The first step in the synthesis of MMA is the esterification of methacrylic acid. Methacrylic acid is obtained by the catalytic oxidation of isobutylene, a process commonly known as the acetone cyanohydrin