| Advantages of Using MSA in Esterification |
Several properties make MSA an excellent esterification
catalyst compared to sulfuric acid or para toluene sulfonic acid.
- non-oxidizing
- less dehydrating
- stable (high decomposition temperature)
- does not hydrolyze
- does not cause formation of peroxides.
The following advantages are observed during esterification reactions:
- lighter color esters
- shorter reaction time
- higher conversion efficiency
- less resinous/oligomer formation
- less decomposition
- processing becomes easy
- less or no interface formation during washing of ester
- quick separation of phases
- better clarity of phases
- less corrosion
Catalyst performance study for esterification
Some of the above advantages can be seen from the comparative catalyst
performance study of the esterification reaction of phthalic anhydride
(148 g.) with 2-ethyl hexanol (260 g.) using MSA, PTSA and H2SO4 at
135-165oC. |
| |
MSA |
PTSA |
H2SO4 |
| Moles of catalyst used per mole of phthalic anhydride |
0.007 |
0.0007 |
0.007 |
0.007 |
| Concentration of catalyst |
0.675% |
0.0675% |
1.21% |
0.68% |
| Yield/conversion |
99% |
99% |
96% |
95% |
| Time required |
4 hrs. |
4 hrs. |
5 hrs. |
5 hrs. |
| Color (APHA) |
100-150 |
100-150 |
200-250 |
200-250 |
| Separation of phases |
Fast |
Fast |
Slow |
Slow |
| Clarity of phases (Aqueous & Organic) |
Clear |
Clear |
Hazy |
Hazy |
|
| References: |
| 1. |
R.P.Chavan & V. V. Mahajani, Indian Journal of Technology
31, 499-502 (1993).
|
| 2. |
K. Mukai (Sekisui Chemical Co Ltd), patent: JP 06157407 A2,
1994/06/03, "Preparation of phthalic acid ester and other esters".
|
| 3. |
K. Mukai (Sekisui Chemical Co Ltd), patent: JP 06122652 A2,
1994/05/06, "Manufacture of carboxylic acid esters." |
| 4. |
A.R. Perry, d.W. Pummell, A. I. Thomson (BP Chemicals Ltd.
UK), patent: EP 529868 A2, 1993/03/03, "Production of methyl
acetate". |
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