Catalytic condensation of formaldehyde and methyl formate over 12-tungstosilicic compounds Original Research Article

Condensation of formaldehyde and methyl formate to methyl glycolate and methyl methoxy acetate catalyzed by 12-tungstosilicic compounds has been studied. Thermal pre-treatment of 12-tungstosilicic acid has a great influence on the activity of the acid. The most preferable pre-treatment temperature is 300°C in the range of 100–350°C. Water has a disadvantageous effect on the condensation reaction. 12-tungstosilicic acid and its acidic salts show high activity to the reaction, but the neutral salts have little activity. The influence of acid strength has also been investigated.