A catalyst screening for the esterification of acrylic acid with n-butanol is presented. The kinetics was investigated in the temperature range of 70 - 100 degrees C and the selectivity was determined. The kinetic data fitted well with the Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson approach. The model was applied for the design of a reactive distillation column. Due to the similar fluid dynamics and the fast data generation a temperature scanning plug flow reactor was used.