Membrane reactor for acceleration of esterification using a special ionic liquid with reaction and separation and microwave heating

To improve conversion of n-butanol to the corresponding ester using acetic acid, the ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([ABIM]TFSI), which does not dissolve in the water by-product, and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) or PVA–TEOS (tetraethoxysilane) hybrid membranes were employed when using evapomeation (EV), along with microwave heating. The effect on the conversion of n-butanol of each individual process variable as well as that of all of the variables used in combination was investigated, and the characteristics of each approach are discussed.

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► A specific ionic liquid was used as catalyst and solvent.
► Separation membrane and microwave were employed to accelerate esterification.
► Esterification in each individual process was improved.
► Esterification in their combination furthermore was increased.