Catalyzing n - Butyl Lactate Synthesis by p - Toluenesulfonic Acid Supported on Activated Carbon under Microwave Irradiation

The authors conducted an experiment of n - butyl - lactate synthesis catalyzed by p - toluenesulfonic acid supported on activated carbon under microwave irradiation. The experiment showed that when powers of microwave irradiation was 300 w, the amount of catalyst 0. 8 g, the molar ratio of alcohol to acid 3: 1, and the reaction time 30 min , the yield of the product could reach over 97.0% . In addition, it was found that under microwave irradiation, the reaction rate of esterification was significantly higher than that under conventional heating.