Application of triethylammonium salts as ionic liquid catalyst and medium for Fischer esterification

Abstract

Triethylammonium sulfate, triethylammonium dihydrogen phosphate and triethylammonium tetrafluoroborate were applied as ionic liquid catalyst and medium for the esterification of carboxylic acids with primary alcohols. Esterification of aliphatic carboxylic acids in the presence of triethylammonium sulfate gave the corresponding esters in excellent yield. The ionic liquid and ester formed separate phases in the reaction facilitating separation of the product.