Synthesis of octyl acetate by strong acidic cation exchange resin

Octyl acetate is used as a food flavoring.It posses orange,jasmine,and peach fragrances.Octyl acetate can be synthesized by direct esterification of acetic acid with n-octanol catalyzed by strongly acidic cation exchange resin(Amberlyst 15).The effect of different parameters such as temperature,molar ratio of acetic acid to n-octanol,catalyst amount,and reaction time on the conversion of acetic acid was investigated.The best synthesis conditions offer important information for octyl acetate industrialization.The best reaction conditions were:reaction temperature of 90℃,reaction time of 3h,molar ratio of acetic acid to n-octanol of 1 ∶1,and catalyst amount 10%(based on the mass of acetic acid).The conversion of acetic acid can reach to 58% under above conditions.The catalyst can be used for 5 cycles without any treatment;the conversion of acetic acid can also reach to 55%.The results showed many advantages of strong acidic resin,such as high catalytic activity,easy separation,non-corrosive to equipments,and no environment pollution.