Synthesis of tributyl citrate catalyzed by silicasulfuric acid

Silicasulfuric acid(SSA) was used as the catalyst for synthesis of tributyl citrate from citric acid and tributylalcohol.Effects of catalyst dosage,molar ratio of the reactants and reaction time were investigated. Tributyl citrate yield of 98.7% was attained under the optimal reaction condition as follows: citric acid 0.04 mol,n-butylalcohol/citric acid molar ratio 3.2:1,catalyst dosage=1.3% of the mass of citric acid,reaction time 3 h,reaction temperature (135 -140) ℃.