Esterification of acetic acid with n -hexanol in batch and continuous chromatographic reactors using a gelular ion-exchange resin as a catalyst

Patel, D. and Saha, B. (2012) Esterification of acetic acid with n -hexanol in batch and continuous chromatographic reactors using a gelular ion-exchange resin as a catalyst. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 51 (37). pp. 11965-11974. ISSN 1520-5045

Abstract

Heterogeneously catalyzed esterification reactions of acetic acid and n-hexanol were studied in batch and continuous chromatographic reactors in the presence of a gelular ion-exchange resin catalyst (Purolite CT-124) to synthesize a value added ester, namely n-hexyl acetate. A laboratory scale batch chromatographic reactor column (BCRC) was designed and constructed. BCRC experiments were carried out using different parameters such as feed flow rate, feed mole ratio (FMR) of n-hexanol to acetic acid, desorbent (n-hexanol) flow rate, and reaction step time to maximize the formation of n-hexyl acetate as well as to achieve complete conversion of acetic acid. Samples were collected from the chromatographic reactor column (CRC) outlet at regular intervals and were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). The continuous chromatographic reactor column (CCRC) was designed, constructed, and commissioned on the basis of the results obtained from the BCRC experiments. The experiments carried out in a CCRC correlate very well with the results obtained from the optimized reaction condition in a BCRC for maximum formation of n-hexyl acetate and complete conversion of acetic acid.