Catalytic Synthesis of N-Butyl Acetate by Silicotungstic Acid Supported on Bentonite

A series of solid acid catalysts were synthesized by incipient wetness impregnation method by varying the wt% of silicotungstic acid on bentonite. Silicotungstic acid supported on bentonite was used to catalytic synthesise of n-butyl acetate with acetic acid and n-butyl alcohol . The main reaction parameters such as silicotungstic acid loading on bentonite, the amount of catalyst, molar ratio of reactants, reaction temperature and reaction time have been investigated. The optimum conditions were determined as follows : silicotungstic acid loading on bentonite 20 wt %, catalyst 0.7 g , mole ratio of n-butanol to acetic acid 1:1.1, reaction temperature 98 °C and reaction time 2 h . The esterification yield of n-butyl acetate was about 98.2 %. The catalyst could be used repeatedly for many times without distinct loss in activity.