Indian Journal of Chemical Technology, Vol.8, No.5, 362-367, 2001
Catalytic esterification of benzyl alcohol with acetic acid by zeolites and their modified forms
An attempt has been made to synthesise benzyl acetate from benzyl alcohol and acetic acid using Na-beta, Na-Y, and Na-ZSM5 zeolites and their ion exchanged forms as catalysts. All the catalysts are characterised for their surface acidity, surface area and crystallinity by n-butyl amine titration method, BET and XRD respectively. The esterification reaction has been carried out in liquid phase taking the reactants in different acid to alcohol molar ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:1). The amount of the ester formed has been estimated indirectly by titrating the unreacted acid with a standard base. The selectivity was found to be 100% with reasonably good yield (44-83%). The catalysts are also checked for their reusability.