Studies on the Synthesis of Amyl Propionate Using β Zeolites as Catalysts

Amyl propionate was synthesized using β zeolites as catalysts. The effects of the methods of preparing catalyst, and reaction conditions on the catalytic properties have been investigated. The appropriate conditions for synthesizing amyl propionate were as follows: the molar ratio of amyl alcohol to propionic acid=1.2:1, the amount of catalyst used=1.2?g/mol propionic acid, the amount of cyclohexane used=5.0?mL/mol propionic acid, reaction temperature=138～144?℃, and reaction time=3?h. The yield, which was determined by GC, of amyl propionate obtained under the above appropriate conditions was close to 80%. The esterified product was characterized by IR, and its physical constants were determined. The experimental values obtained were consistent with the literature values. In addition, the activity steability of β zeolite catalysts, and the effect of the type of the catalysts on the conversion of propionic acid were investigated. The determined activation energy for the esterification reaction of propionic acid with npentanol over Feβ zeolite is 40.07?kJ/mol. The kinetic equations for the esterification reactions carried out in the absence of catalyst and in the presence of Feβ zeolite, were established, respectively.