Synthesis of Isoamyl Acetate (Banana oil) Using Fly Ash Supported Nano Crystalline Solid Acid Catalyst

Abstract

A novel fly ash supported solid acid catalyst (HClO₄/FA) has been synthesized by using F-type fly ash and HClO₄ as precursor. The variation of surface and physicochemical properties of the fly ash by activation methods resulted in improved acidity and therefore, catalytic activity for acid catalyzed esterification reactions. The HClO₄/FA catalyst was characterized by XRF, XRD, FT-IR, SEM and BET surface area. The catalytic performance of HClO₄/FA catalyst was evaluated for the esterification reaction of acetic acid and isoamyl alcohol to give isoamyl acetate (Banana oil), which is an important fine chemical intermediate, widely used in pharmaceuticals and as flavouring agent in confectionary. The catalyst was completely recyclable without significant loss in activity up to four reaction cycles, which confers its stability during reaction. The work reports an innovative use of solid waste fly ash as an effective solid acid catalyst.

Keywords: Fly ash, mechanical activation, chemical activation, acid treatment, ball milling