Synthesis of glycerol triacetate catalyzed by heteropoly acids

Heteropoly acid catalyzed esterification between ethanoic acid and glycerol is studied. A number of non supported and supported catalysts with high activity and selectivity are selected. The effects of reaction conditions such as amount of catalysts, the molar ratio of alcohol to acid, and the reaction time on the reaction results are investigated. The catalysts can be used repeatedly for many times without distinct decrease in activity. Glycerol triacetate can be refined by activated carbon. The most suitable conditions for the reaction are as follows: the molar ratio of alcohol to acid 1∶4, mass ratio of catalyst to glycerol 2.5%, reaction time 4.5h. The conversion of the glycerol triacetate is over 98%, and the selectivity for glycerol triacetate is over 99%.