Reaction kinetics of the esterification of myristic acid with isopropanol and n-propanol using p-toluene sulphonic acid as catalyst

The reaction kinetics of the esterification of myristic acid with isopropanol with n-propanol were determined, using p-toluene sulphonic acid (pTSA) as catalyst, for a temperature range of 343–403 K. The reactions follow first order kinetics in all components. The kinetic model corresponds with the results for the esterification of myristic acid with isopropanol reported in literature for 333–353 K. As expected, the reaction rate increases with increasing amount of catalyst and with increasing temperature. The reaction rate and equilibrium conversion increases with an increasing alcohol to myristic acid feed ratio. The reaction with n-propanol is considerably faster (at 373 K about 3.8 times) than the reaction with isopropanol.

Graphical abstractThe esterification of myristic acid with isopropanol using a homogeneous catalyst (pTSA) at a temperature range of 343–403 K is investigated, and compared with the reaction with n-propanol. The experimental kinetic data were analysed on the basis of a homogeneous model. The reaction parameters for both reactions were obtained and compared.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide