Catalytic Synthesis of Salicylate Esters over Cordierite Honeycomb Coated with Mo (VI)/ZrO<sub>2</sub>

Abstract

Solid acids such as ZrO 2 & Mo (VI)/ZrO 2 were coated on a honeycomb monolith by impregnation method. These catalytic materials were characterized by NH 3-TPD, PXRD and SEM techniques. Salicylate esters were synthesized via transesterification of methyl salicylate with different alcohols over these catalytic materials. An excellent yield of Salicylate esters was obtained under specific reaction conditions. A correlation between the surface acidity, PXRD phase and catalytic activity of Mo (VI)/ZrO 2 was observed. The thermally regenerated catalytic material was reused repeatedly with a consistent high yield of salicylate esters. The honeycomb coated with zirconia catalysts were found to be economical, efficient and ecofriendly (3E concept).