Efficient carbon-based solid acid catalysts for the esterification of oleic acid

A series of carbon-based solid acid catalysts was prepared by the sulfonation of mesoporous carbon substrates with thin pore walls, and catalytic activity for the esterification of oleic acid with methanol was tested. The highest turnover frequency (TOF) observed was 78 h− 1, five times that of Amberlyst-15. The high catalytic activity may be attributed to the good dispersion of the catalysts in methanol. Catalysts with improved dispersion were obtained by a modified preparation, after which the highest TOF observed was 109 h− 1, seven times that of Amberlyst-15.

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► Carbon-based solid acid was prepared by sulfonation of mesoporous carbons with thin pore walls.
► Such catalysts could be readily dispersed in polar solvent.
► In the esterification of oleic acid, the highest TOF was seven times that of Amberlyst-15.
► The high catalytic activity may be attributed to the good dispersion of the catalysts in methanol.