Transesterification of Methylbenzoate with Alcohols Catalyzed by Natural Phosphate

Abstract

Abstract Transesterification of methylbenzoate with various alcohols was catalyzed by natural phosphate with or without solvent in heterogeneous media. The molar ratio of alcohol/ester, solvent effect, and weight of catalyst effect have been studied. We have found that the nature of alcohol and the reaction temperature play an important role in the transesterification process. The catalyst can be regenerated and reused without lost of activity.