O–acetylation of salicylic acid over Zirconium  phosphate (ZPO) solid acid catalyst

Mohan Kumar T. E.; S. Z. Mohamed Shamshuddin

Volume : II, Issue : III, March - 2013

O–acetylation of salicylic acid over Zirconium phosphate (ZPO) solid acid catalyst

Mohan Kumar T. E. , S. Z. Mohamed Shamshuddin

Abstract :

Zirconium phosphate (ZPO) solid acid catalyst was prepared by impregnation and precipitation methods. ZPO was also coated on a cordierite honeycomb by slurry coating method. ZPOs were characterized for their surface area, surface acidity, crystallinity and functionality by using BET, powder X–ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopic techniques, and n–butyl amine back titration methods. Catalytic activity of ZPOs was evaluated in the synthesis of a medicinal compound acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin). ZPO catalysts were found to be highly efficient for aspirin synthesis with a yield of aspirin up to 98% with 100% selectivity. Optimization of reaction conditions was carried out by varying molar ratio of the reactants (salicylic acid and acetic anhydride), amount of the catalyst, reaction time, and reaction temperature. ZPO were found to be eco–friendly and reusable.