Catalytic Esterification of n-Butyl Acetate by Solid Superacid SO_4~(2-)/ZrO_2

The solid superacid SO42-/ZrO2 catalyst was prepared by impregnation and used to catalyze the esterification of n-butyl acetate.The yield of n-butyl acetaue could achieve 98.2% under following conditions:3.5 h of reaction,2∶1 mole ratio of alcohol and acid,0.5 g catalyst that should be calcined at 400 ℃ prior to use.The yield of ester kept more than 70% after 5 runs.