A process for the continuous production of at least one of bis(3-hydroxypropyl)
terephthalate and low molecular weight oligomers of 1,3-propanediol and terephthalic
acid is disclosed. According to the process, preheated 1,3-propanediol (about 150
C. to about 200 C.) and preheated lower dialkyl esters of terephthalic acid
(about 150 C. to about 220 C.) are combined in a mole ratio of about
1.2:1 to about 2.3:1 and fed to an ester exchange vessel where the mixture undergoes
a continuous transesterification reaction. The liquid reaction mixture is continuously
heated and mixed, at a temperature of about 215 C. to about 250 C.,
and a pressure of about 800 mm Hg to about 1,000 mm Hg. Gaseous reaction products
are continuously separated from the liquid reaction mixture, and a stream of liquid
reaction products containing bis(3-hydoxypropyl) terephthalate and low molecular
weight oligomers of 1,3-propanediol and terephthalic acid is continuously removed
from a base portion of the ester exchange vessel.