Esterification of stearic acid by isomeric forms of butanol in a microwave oven under homogeneous and heterogeneous reaction conditions

Abstract

In this paper the influence of conventional and dielectric heating on the esterification of stearic acid by butanol has been studied. The influences of different isomeric forms of butanol, a catalyst and conditions of reaction (homogeneous versus heterogeneous) upon esterification have been investigated. The difference between conventionally or dielectrically heated reactions has been studied. For heterogeneous reactions a significant temperature enhancement effect is observed. This effect can be enlarged by the application of heat captors, which have been mixed or impregnated with catalyst. Further rate enhancements are realised by the use of a combination of microwave heating and ultrasound for heterogeneously catalysed reactions.