Synthesis of methacrolein by condensation of propionaldehyde with formaldehyde

Methacrolein is an important intermediate in the synthesis of methyl methacrylate (MMA), which is widely used for producing acrylic plastics or producing polymer dispersions for paints and coatings. In this paper, methacrolein was synthesized by condensation of propionaldehyde with formaldehyde in the pressense of amine salt through Mannich base intermediate at the atmospheric pressure. The optimal reaction conditions were obtained. The water content in starting mixture were also investigated