Sulfonated polyethersulfone directly synthesized through sulfonic monomer as a new stable solid acid catalyst for esterification

A new stable solid acid catalyst, functional polyethersulfone containing high content of sulfonic acid group was directly synthesized from sulfonic monomer. This new catalyst was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermo-gravimetric analysis, acid-base titration and reagent uptake. The results showed that the new polymer catalyst had higher swelling of reagent and sulfonic group stability than conventional solid acid catalyst Amberlyst 15. Meanwhile, the polymer catalyst exhibited higher activity and stability than Amberlyst 15 in the esterification reactions. The superior performance of new catalyst is attributed to its unique features, including swelling property as well as thermal stability.

Graphic abstractA new type of stable solid acid catalyst polyethersulfone with sulfonic acid group was synthesized without post-sulfonation, which showed higher stability and swelling of reagent as well as better performance in esterification reactions than conventional polymer acid catalyst.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A new solid acid catalyst polyethersulfone was synthesized without post-sulfonation.
► This polymer catalyst contained a pull-electron -SO2- group in its main chain.
► The existing of -SO2- group improved the stability and acid strength of catalyst.
► The new catalyst showed better performance than conventional catalyst.