Esterification of isoamyl alcohol using solid acid catalysts

Catalytic activity of different solid acids obtained by calcination of hydroxides of Al, Si, Zr and Ti as well as their sulfated forms has been investigated in liquid phase esterification of isoamyl alcohol with propionic acid. The catalysts have been characterized for their textural properties, surface acidity, surface area and sulfur content. The major product of the catalytic reaction has been found to be isoamyl propionate. The yield of the ester has been found to depend on the textural properties, total surface acidity and surface area of the catalysts. In the case of sulfated zirconia which exhibited highest acidity, isoamyl ether has also been formed to an extent of 0.6-4.5%. Effects of amount of catalyst, duration of the reaction and the molar ratios of the reactants on the yield of ester have been studied. A plausible reaction mechanism for the formation of isoamyl propionate is described.