Production of p-Anisic Acid by Modified Williamson Etherification Reaction Using Design of Experiments

Majority of the processes available for manufacturing of p-anisic acid (4-methoxy benzoic acid) are pertaining to large-scale production comprising of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis. These are involved with hazardous and highly toxic materials, involving complex processes, which are not suitable for small-scale industries. The present work has been conducted in a small-scale industry laboratory. A modified Williamson etherification reaction has been studied through process validation and design of experiments (DOE). It is observed that the yield is affected by the process factors; such as mole ratio, addition temperature, reaction temperature, time of addition (or dosage rate), and agitator speed. The maximum yield can be derived by setting the time of addition (120 min) and agitator speed (300 rpm). This simple process may serve the purpose of small scale industry to derive this important product through less hazardous and toxic chemicals with high yield.