Synthesis of ethylene glycol monopelargonate with Silica supported sodium bisulfate as catalyst

The synthesis of ethylene glycol monopelargonate with pelargonic acid and ethylene glycol as reactants and sodium bisulfate as catalys supported by silica was studied.The factors influencing its catalytic performance were investigated and optimized,including reaction time,reaction temperature,molar ratios of pelargonic acid to ethylene glycol,the amount of catalyst.The optimum reaction conditions were as follows:the molar ratio of pelargonic acid to ethylene glycol was 1∶3;the mass ratio of catalyst to reactants was 5%;the reaction time was 4 h,the reaction temperature was 90 ℃.Moreover,the rate of esterification was up to 92%.The structure of ethylene glycol monopelargonate was characterized by IR spectrum.The catalyst could be recycled and used for many time.