Synthesis of isobutyl isobutyrate catalyzed by modified strong acid cation Ion exchange resin by gallium sulfate

A cation ion exchange resin which was modified by a new strong acid catalyst and gallium sulfate was used as the new catalyst in the reaction of isobutyric acid and isobutyl alcohol reacted to form isobutyl isobutyrate.Factors affected the yield including the amount of catalyst,reaction time,molar ratio of alcohol to acid,different carrying water agents and times for repeated uses were discussed.The new catalyst had many advantages such as insoluble in reaction system,high activity and easy recycling.It was also non-corrosive and non-polluted to the environment.It solved the problems generated by concentrated sulfuric acid in the esterification reaction.Experimental results showed that isobutyric acid 0.2mol,molar ratio of alcohol to acid 1.6,the catalyst 1.25g,reaction time 60min,the yield was 93.9%.It also has a good reusability.After the resin was used for seven times,the yield still reached to 83.6%.It was an efficient,economic and environmental friendly catalyst.