The new esterification catalysts and the nature of reactions proceeding at esterification of synthetic naphthenic acids in their presence

There have been synthesized the novel sulfocationites on the basis of graft copolymers of polystyrene with oligostyrene, and their metal-polymer composites based on the titanium-containing compound with the grafted ionic-liquid type ligands. Esterifacation reaction of synthetic naphthen acid (SNA) fraction with heptyl alcohol as a model reaction has been investigated in the presence of the novel sulfocationites and Ti-containing metal-polymer composites on their basis. Structural group content and molecular mass characteristics of primary and end esterification products have been identified using PMR, NMR, IR-spectroscopy and gel-permeation chromotography methods, correspondingly. The results of the investigations carried out show that the esterification reactions of SNA with alcohols are complex process in the course of which the primary esterification reactions, opening of the five-membered cycles in the condensed naphthenic fragments with formation of oxy-ethers and/or oxy-acids, products of their polycondensation, lactone formation as well as decarboxylation reactions take place. The yields of the basic and side products strongly depend on the nature and method of the sulfocationite and their titanium-containing modificates type catalysts preparation. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.