Esterification of succinic anhydride to di-(p-cresyl) succinate over Mn+-montmorillonite clay catalysts

Esterification of succinic anhydride to di-(p-cresyl) succinate over montmorillonite clay exchanged with different cations (Mn+-mont; Mn+ = Al3+, Cr3+, Fe3+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Mn2+ and H+) is demonstrated. Among the clay catalysts studied, Al3+ and H+-mont are found to be more active for the esterification of succinic anhydride with p-cresol. The activity of Mn+-mont was found to be correlated with the charge to radius ratio of Mn+-ions exchanged in the clay layer. The influence of molar ratio of reactants, reaction time, and catalyst amount on the esterification reaction have been investigated. Regeneration and reusability of the clay catalyst have also been examined.