Dehydrative esterification of carboxylic acids with alcohols catalyzed by diarylammonium p-dodecylbenzenesulfonates in water

We have developed direct esterification reaction of carboxylic acids with alcohols catalyzed by diarylammonium salt catalysts toward the recovery of acetic acid from wastewater of chemical plants. Hydrophobicity of the catalysts could suppress their solubility in water. This esterification reaction has been applied to the recovery of acetic acid using a flow reaction system which is applicable to practical use in chemical plants. It was shown that this catalytic system was also applicable to the combination of hydrophobic substrates in water.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► This work contributes a basic part toward practical use in chemical plants.
► Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid-diarylamine salts catalyze esterification in water.
► High hydrophobicity of the catalysts can suppress their solubility in water.
► This system is applicable to the recovery of acetic acid and flow reaction system.
► This catalytic system is applicable to hydrophobic substrates in water.