Esterification Reactions Using Zirconium based Inorganic ION Exchangers

Abstract

Zirconium based double salts were used as catalysts in esterification reactions of benzoic acid with some primary and secondary alcohols. Ester products were characterized with 1H NMR and FT-IR techniques. Product yields from different set of combinations of benzoic acid and alcohols were monitored using GC. Results indicate that the ion exchangers catalyzed esterification reactions selectively based on steric considerations. Electronic factor did not seem to play any role in efficiency of the inorganic ion exchangers for these reactions.