Zirconium sulfate (Zr(SO4)(2) center dot 4H(2)O) was an efficient catalyst for the esterification of fatty acids and alcohols under solvent-free condition. The esterification of fatty acid with branched alcohols using Zr(SO4)(2) center dot 4H(2)O catalyst gave a good yield of the corresponding ester. The zirconium sulfate Bronsted acid site was suggested to be the catalytically active species in this reaction. In addition, Zr(SO4)(2) center dot 4H(2)O compound is a potential green catalyst due to its high catalytic activity and low toxicity. This compound is also cost effective, easy to handle, is easily recovered by simple filtration and can be recycled for further reactions.