Synthesis of Butyl Paraben Catalyzed by Gallium Sulfate Supported on Solica Gel

A new catalyst named gallium sulfate supported on solica gel was prepared.p-Hydroxybenzoic acid and n-butyl alcohol reacted to form butyl paraben with it.Factors influencing the yield were discussed.That conclueded amount of catalyst,reaction time,molar ratio of alcohol to acid and repeated uses of the catalyst.The catalyst had many advantages such as insoluble in reaction system,high activity,short reaction time,easy post treatment process and without carrying water agents.It was also non-corrosive and non-pollutional to the environment.It overcomed the defficency of concentrated sulfuric acid that applied in the esterification reaction.The best conditions were p-hydroxybenzoic acid 0.05mol,molar ratio of alcohol to acid 3,the catalyst 1.0g and reaction time 5h.The yield could reach 91.3%.It was the efficient,economic and environmental friendly catalyst.