Phthalic Double Octadecanol Ester Catalytic Synthesis

Distearyl phthalate ester was synthesized using several catalysts, replacing sulfuric acid as catalyst for its shortcomings. The product was characterized and analyzed by FT-IR, MS and ¹H NMR. For the catalysts of SnO and Ti(OC₄H₉)₄, the optimal conditions of reaction were built up through a series of experiments for a good esterification rate. Solid superacid such as SO₄^2-/ZrO₂ and SO₄^2-/TiO₂ and their nanosized type and their complex type of SO₄^2-/ZrO₂-TiO₂ were prepared and used to catalyze the synthesis of distearyl phthalate ester. Different conditions of preparation factors, such as pH, roast temperature and so on, would lead to different esterification rate, and the best conditions were found. Also Hammett indicator, FT-IR, XPS and SEM were used to characterize and analyze those catalysts, and the attempt to explain the relationship of ability of catalyzing and their structure was made.