the invention includes a process of producing methyl methacrylate or derivatives thereof is described . the process includes the steps of converting 2 - butanone to methyl propionate using a baeyer - villiger monooxygenase , and treating the methyl propionate produced to obtain methyl methacrylate or derivatives thereof . a method of preparing polymers or copolymers of methyl methacrylate or its derivatives is also described .