What are the main production routes for methyl acrylate and their cost implications?

What are the main production routes for methyl acrylate and their cost implications?
Methyl acrylate is produced primarily via esterification of acrylic acid with methanol, but the acrylic acid itself can be made through several routes. The Reppe process, using acetylene and carbon monoxide under high pressure, was commercialized by BASF and Dow-Badische in the 1960s. Another route involves hydrolysis of acrylonitrile followed by esterification. In China, the dominant approach is propylene oxidation to acrylic acid, then esterification. Satellite Chemical exemplifies the fully integrated model, starting from propane dehydrogenation to propylene, then acrylic acid, and finally acrylate esters. This vertical integration significantly lowers production costs compared to merchant acrylic acid buyers. The choice of route ultimately hinges on regional feedstock availability—propylene-based economics favor China's PDH capacity, while acetylene routes remain relevant where coal chemistry is prevalent.