The heterogenization of l-phenylalanine-Ru(III) complex and its application as catalyst in esterification of ethyl alcohol with acetic acid

► A simple route is demonstrated for the efficient immobilization of silica with l-(N-α-acetylphenylalanine)-ruthenium(III) complex. ► The catalyst was active in solvent state esterification reactions. ► The solvent free esterification gave a conversion of 82%. ► The catalyst was regenerated easily and reused two times without loss of activity.