Synthesis of n-Butyl Stearate Catalyzed by Ammonium Ferric Sulfate

n-Butyl stearate was synthesized in high yield by esterification of n-butyl alcohol with stearic acid in the presence of ammonium ferric sulfate dodecahydrate. The effects of the amount of ammonium ferric sulfate dodecahydrate, n-butyl alcohol and reaction time on the yield have been investigated. The yield of the ester could reache 98.8% under amount of substance ratio of stearic acid, n-butyl alcohol and ammonium ferric sulfate were 1∶8∶0.124, refluxing and water segregating for 2h.