Kummer, Rudolf; Vagt, Uwe; Fischer, Rolf; Seufert, Walter; Becker, Rainer;

Preparation of alkenecarboxylates

Alkenecarboxylates of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms and n is 2, 3 or 4, are prepared by a process which comprises reacting a lactone of the formula II ##STR2## where R.sub.2 is hydrogen or methyl and m is 1 or 2, with an alkanol of 1 to 6 carbon atoms in the presence of an acidic catalyst at from 150.degree. to 400.degree. C.

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We claim:

1. A process for the preparation of an alkenecarboxylate of the formula I ##STR5## where R.sub.1 is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms and n is 2, 3 or 4, which comprises reacting a lactone of the formula II ##STR6## where R.sub.2 is hydrogen or methyl and m is 1 or 2, with an alkanol of 1 to 6 carbon atoms in the presence of an acidic catalyst selected from the group consisting of acidic oxides of elements of the main groups three and four and of subgroups 4 to 6 of the periodic table, protic acids and Lewis acids at from 150.degree. to 400.degree. C.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein the lactone is caprolactone.

3. The process of claim 1, wherein the lactone is .delta.-valerolactone or 6-methylvalerolactone.

4. The process of claim 1, wherein silica, alumina, titanium dioxide, boron trioxide or a mixture of these is used as the acidic catalyst.

5. The process of claim 1, wherein a molar ratio of lactone of the formula II to alkanol of from 1:0.5 to 1:10 is maintained.

6. The process of claim 1, wherein the reaction is carried out in the gas phase.

7. The process of claim 6, wherein a space velocity of from 0.1 to 10 g of lactone of the formula II per g of catalyst per hour is maintained.