Catalytic synthesis of di-2-ethylhexyl maleate by ferric sulfate

Ferric sulfate was first used for the synthesis of di 2 ethylhexyl maleate. The optimum conditions were as follows: molar ratio of 2 ethylhexanol to maleic anhydride was 3.0∶1,reaction time of reflux was 1 h ,mass of catalyst accounted for 6% of that of maleic anhydride. conversion of maleic anhydride was 99.1%,and the yield of product reached 85.7%.The catalyst had some advantages, such as easy to obtain with low price,feasible to be used repeatedly,and less pollution to the environment.