Experimental Device for the “Green” Synthesis of Unbranched Aliphatic Esters C4–C8 Using an Audio Frequency Electric Field

Abstract

One of the most important reactions in organic synthesis is esterification, and the compounds generated using this process are esters with a wide range of applications in various industries. Numerous approaches have been employed to enhance the ester yield and reaction rate and establish equilibrium in esterification reactions. This study uses a non-catalytic thermal esterification method to obtain unbranched aliphatic esters C4–C8. The effect of an audio frequency electric field instead of a catalyst on the esterification reaction between acetic acid and linear C4–C8 aliphatic alcohols was studied. The main goal of this study was to design and implement a lab-scale device for the synthesis of aliphatic esters in an environmentally sustainable manner using only specific raw materials and an audio frequency electric field at 3 and 6 kHz at 20 °C and 50 °C. A mechanism for the esterification reaction using an audio frequency electric field is also suggested. The proposed experimental device is designed to produce esters in a green and cost-effective manner and could be used on a large scale in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.