A facile synthesis of fatty acid esters of <i>p</i>-cresol catalysed by acid activated Indian bentonite

Abstract

<i>p-</i>Tolyl esters of some long chain fatty acids having commercial applications are synthesized using acid activated Indian bentonite as catalyst. Experimental conditions have been optimised to get the best yields. The effects of the molar ratio and reaction time have been investigated. The rate constant (<i>κ</i>),<i> </i>the equilibrium constant (<i>K</i>)<i> </i>and the standard Gibbs free energy (Δ<i>G</i>^o)<i> </i>are calculated. The spent catalyst on regeneration [by washing and heating to 110^oC ] shows the same activity, and is found to be reusable several times.