Esterification of aromatic acid can be promoted via HSO 3 -functionalized Brønsted acidic ionic liquids (ILs). Under the optimum conditions, using 1-(3-sulfonic acid) propyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([MimC 3 SO 3 H][HSO 4 ]) and 1-(4-sulfonic acid) butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([MimC 4 SO 3 H][HSO 4 ]) as dual solvent-catalysts, the conversion of esterification of aromatic acid was determined to be more than 90%, indicating that HSO 3 -functionalized ILs show much better catalytic ability than those of non-functionalized ionic liquids. The separation of desired product was easily performed by extraction with diethyl ether and these HSO 3 -functionalized ILs could be reused 7 times after vacuum drying. Our data represent an environmentally friendly method for the preparation of aromatic esters.
aromatic esters, esterification, aromatic acids, alcohols, ionic liquids
Citation:Zhou F Y, Xin B W, Hao J C. HSO 3 -functionalized Brønsted acidic ionic liquids promote esterification of aromatic acid.