Eastman Chemical Company
Synthesis of triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate)

Abstract:

A process for the transesterification of methyl-2-ethylhexanoate with triethylene glycol to produce triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate is provided. In the process, methyl-2-ethylhexanoate is combined with triethylene glycol to form a first mixture. The first mixture is heated in the presence of a catalyst to form a second mixture comprising methanol and triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate. Methanol is separated from the second mixture to yield triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate. Na.sub.2CO.sub.3, Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3, K.sub.2CO.sub.3, Rb.sub.2CO.sub.3, sodium methoxide or titanium isopropoxide are suitable catalysts.