Catalytic synthesis of propyl propionate by phosphotungstic acid supported on activated carbon

Propyl propionate was catalytically synthesized by phosphotungstic acid supported on activated carbon. The effects of the supported quantity of phosphotungstic acid, the amount of catalyst and dehydrating anent used, the molar ratio of n-propyl to propionic acid and the reaction time on the esterfication were investigated. Under the optimum conditions (the supported quantity of phosphotungstic was 30.0%, the weight of catalyst was 2.5g/0.2 mol propionic acid, the molar ratio of n-propyl to propionic acid was 1.2∶1, the amount of dehydrating agent was 15 mL, the reaction temperature was 110℃～116℃, the reaction time was 2.5 h), the conversion rate of propionic acid was 61.3%,the yield of propyl propionate was 95.8%. The catalyst could be reused.