Esterification Reaction Using a Heterogenous Catalyst
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Ronald Okoth
Abstract
The esterification reaction of 4-Methoxyphenylacetic acid with 4-Ethylphenol is used to create commercial chemicals with floral properties and is largely demanded by perfume-related industries. Routine esterification reactions use corrosive acids as catalysts and require excess reagents that are unrecoverable. The purpose of this study is to synthesize an ester product under mild conditions using a heterogeneous acid catalyst that is used compared to the traditional, more problematic homogenous acid catalyst under these conditions, excess reagents and catalyst can be recovered. This reaction is aimed at promoting green chemistry to minimize waste. The reaction is carried out through reflux reacting an excess amount of 4-Ethylphenol with 4-Methoxyphenylacetic acid with the addition of the catalyst amberlyst-15 to enhance the rate of the reaction and increase yields. In this study, we report the successful synthesis of the desired ester product along with the recovery of the catalyst and 4-Ethylphenol. Current studies are aimed at recycling the recovered reagents in esterification reactions in line with green chemistry principles.
Start Date
27-3-2024 10:00 AM
End Date
27-3-2024 10:50 AM
Location
Magnolia Ballroom
Esterification Reaction Using a Heterogenous Catalyst
Magnolia Ballroom
The esterification reaction of 4-Methoxyphenylacetic acid with 4-Ethylphenol is used to create commercial chemicals with floral properties and is largely demanded by perfume-related industries. Routine esterification reactions use corrosive acids as catalysts and require excess reagents that are unrecoverable. The purpose of this study is to synthesize an ester product under mild conditions using a heterogeneous acid catalyst that is used compared to the traditional, more problematic homogenous acid catalyst under these conditions, excess reagents and catalyst can be recovered. This reaction is aimed at promoting green chemistry to minimize waste. The reaction is carried out through reflux reacting an excess amount of 4-Ethylphenol with 4-Methoxyphenylacetic acid with the addition of the catalyst amberlyst-15 to enhance the rate of the reaction and increase yields. In this study, we report the successful synthesis of the desired ester product along with the recovery of the catalyst and 4-Ethylphenol. Current studies are aimed at recycling the recovered reagents in esterification reactions in line with green chemistry principles.