BENZYL ACETATE FROM PHASE TRANSFER CATALYZED ACETATE DISPLACEMENT OF BENZYL CHLORIDE

The overall production rate equation of benzyl acetate by L-L phase transfer catalyzed acetate displacement of benzyl chloride were derived. The experimental results of the effects of stirring speed, structure and amount of catalyst, reaction temperature, amount of sodium acetate, and phase volume-ratio on the production rate of benzyl acetate are elucidated with the rate equation. Benzyltributylammonium chloride is the recommended catalyst. The apparent activation energy of the displacement of benzyl chloride with the ion pairs of benzyltributylammonium acetate is 8.13kcal/mol. Sodium sulfate is a suitable salt to improve the partition coefficient of the phase transfer catalyst. The cocatalyst, sodium iodide, can greatly improve the production rate of benzyl acetate when its amount do not exceed 3 mol% of the substrate, benzyl chloride. Under the conditions of 5mol% benzyltributylammonium chloride, phase volume-ratio 0.429, stirring speed 520 rpm, reaction temperature 70°C, and 50% aqueous sodium acetate, about 80% yield of benzyl acetate can be obtained within 2 hrs. of reaction time.