Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Isopropyl Cinnamate Using Solid Super Acid Catalyst

This study was focus on exploring a novel technology for green efficient synthesis of isopropyl cinnamate. The microwave-assisted synthesis was used in the preparation of isopropyl cinnamate from cinnamic acid and isopropyl alcohol. The synthesis of isopropyl cinnamate by esterification was catalyzed by solid acid Ga2 O3 /SO4 2-/ZrO2. The effects of microwave power, molar ratio of methanol to acid, reaction time and catalyst dosage were analyzed by single-factor and orthogonal array design methods The results showed that the catalyst had excellent catalytic activity and stability during microwave irradiation. The optimum esterification conditions were as follows: 0.6 g of the catalyst(0.01 mol cinnamic acid) and a molar ratio between methanol and acid of 6:1 as well as 400 W microwave irradiation for 20 min. Under these conditions, the highest yield of isopropyl cinnamate, 96.1%, was obtained. Therefore, microwave-assisted synthesis of isopropyl cinnamate by means of Ga2 O3 /SO4 2-/ZrO2 catalysis is a highly efficient and environment friendly procedure without mechanical erosion or environment pollution.