Synthesis of Phase‐Selective Ionic Liquid Gels and Application to the Synthesis of Ethyl Acetate

Abstract

AbstractNovel and environment‐friendly ionic liquid gels (ILG) were synthesized based on polymers, phenylboronic acid, and [BMIM]HSO4, in order to solve the problems in esterification, such as poor selectivity, difficult separation of product and catalyst, and catalyst recycling. The stability and structures of the ILG were characterized by rheology, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and energy calculation. The solubility data proved that the ILG had phase selectivity, which could enable a homogeneous reaction. The synthesis of ethyl acetate was chosen to evaluate the catalytic activity, with the product yields being higher than 80 %. The catalyst could be recycled directly, without any post‐treatment. Thus, the ILG could enhance the industrial application of esterification.