A highly efficient catalyst for the esterification of acetic acid using n-butyl alcohol

The catalytic activity of the Al-MCM-41 material was tested in the esterification of acetic acid using n-butyl alcohol. This work has provided an alternative usage of Al-MCM-41 catalyst with very high Si/Al ratios. The hydrophobic property of the catalyst tends to have greater influence in spite of autogeneous pressure. Further the reaction is proposed to occur mainly within the pores of the catalyst. This observation indirectly proves planting of Brönsted acid sites insides the pore of the catalyst.