Esterification of acetic acid with different alcohols in the presence of asidic ion-exchange resins

Esterification of carboxylic acids with alcohols in the presence of acidic resins, are equilibrium- limited reactions. They are very slow and the reaction rate is enhanced by using homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysts. The esters of carboxylic acids are important substances and have widespread use in industry. A form of saturated fatty acid acetic acid (Ac), is a corrosive and caustic agent. Ethanol has applications in a variety of areas and it is readily available. Glycerol (G) is a different kind of alcohol and it is the side product biodiesel production reaction which is the transesterification of oil with methanol or ethanol. The reactions of Ethanol- Ac and G- Ac were carried out in an autogeneous batch reactor in the presence of different acidic ion- exchange resins. The highest conversion of Ac (%85) was achieved on Amberlyst-15 when the molar ratio of Ethanol/Ac was 4/1, 1,2 g catalyst weight at 70°C. The highest conversion of G (%100) was achieved on both Smopex-101 and Relite EXC 8D with molar ratio of Ac/G was 12/1, 0.5 g catalyst weight and 1000 rpm stirring rate at 90°C for Smopex-101 and 150°C for Relite EXC 8D. The products of glycerol esterification are monoacetin (MA), diacetin (DA) and triacetin (TA) which have great industrial applications.