Synthesis of isoamyl acetate using NaX and NaY zeolites as catalysts

A liquid phase esterification reaction between glacial acetic acid and isoamyl alcohol has been studied using NaX and NaY zeolites as catalysts. The influence of calcination temperature, the amount of catalysts, reaction temperature, time of esterification and the molar ratio of the reactants has been investigated. Water insoluble products have been isolated from the reaction mixture and analysed for the ester. Both NaX and NaY are found to be active as catalysts in the reaction. However, their catalytic activity varies with the reaction conditions and their calcination temperature. The reaction has been found to be 100% selective to ester formation. Catalytic activity of the zeolites has been correlated with their surface acidity.