New Method of Synthesis for Ethyl p-Hydroxybenzoate

The preparation of ethye p hydroxybenzoate by the reaction of p hydroxybenzoic acid with 95% ethanel, which is both a reactant and solvent, by using FeCl 3·6H 2O as a catalyst has been studied. Various factors that effect the esterifaction have been discussed. results show that FeCl 3·6H 2O is an excellent catalyst for the synthesis of ethyl p hydroxybenzoate, and the optimum reaction conditions arethat the molar ratio of 95% ethanol to the acid is 2, the molar ratio of catalyst to the acid is 0.12, reflux temperature, and the reaction time is 3 hours. Under those conditions, the yield and purity of product are above 77.5% and 98% respectively.