Catalysis by Ion Exchange Resin-Esterification of Phenol and Acetic Acid

Abstract

The liquid phase esterification of phenol and acetic acid was performed in a batch reactor using two types of macroreticular ion exchange resin catalysts i.e., Amberlyst XN-1010 and Amberlyst 15.

Consistent with previous studies, the replacement of -SO3H with -SO3Na and the addition of water reduced the reaction rates.

Experimental data on the initial reaction rate with negligible mass transport resistance in the macropore were analyzed by introducing possible system parameters, from which the effects of distribution coefficient, permeability inside the microsphere and intrinsic reacton mechanism on the reaction system are discussed.

The effect of temperature on the reaction rate was explained by the different rate of increase in the gel permeability for each resin, and the activation energy could be estimated.