Direct esterification of succinic acid with phenol using zeolite beta catalyst

Direct esterification of succinic acid with phenol in the presence of zeolite catalysts was explored. H+ -zeolite beta (sio(2)/Al3O3 = 150) has emerged as the most effective solid acid catalyst, affording 96% yield of diphenyl succinate. The catalyst could be recycled upon 5 consecutive runs without appreciable decreases in activity. Additionally, the catalyst was successfully applied to the esterification of several dicarboxylic acids with phenol producing good and moderate yields of the desired products. The proposed method not only offers essential features of the heterogeneous systems but also brings simplicity in operation, makes it more economical and environmentally-friendly.