SYNTHESIS OF TRIBUTYL CITRATE USING SOLID ACID AS A CATALYST

Four kinds of solid acid catalysts have been prepared and their catalytic esterification activity compared using a model reaction, namely the synthesis of tributyl citrate (TBC). The results indicate that the solid acids show good catalytic performance and are reusable. Under optimum conditions and using M- as a catalyst, the conversion of citric acid was 96%. After easy separation of the products from the solid acid catalyst, it could be reused 3 times and gave a conversion of citric acid not less than 93%. Therefore, an environmental friendly approach for the synthesis of tributyl citrate is provided.