Synthesis of Isopropyl p-Hydroxybenzoate with SnCl_4·5H_2O as Catalyst

Using SnCl4·5H2O as catalyst, isopropanol and p-hydroxybenzoic acid as raw materials, isopropyl p-hydroxybenzoate was prepared via direct esterification. The factors such as ratio between alcohol and acid,reaction temperature,and dosage of catalyst influencing on esterification were discussed. And the optimum reaction conditions were obtained as follows: ratio of alcohol to acid was 2∶1, the dosage of catalyst was 2.5%, and the time for esterification was 2.5h. Under above-mentioned conditions the yield of title compound could be up to 85%.