Optimisation of n–Hexyl Acetate Synthesis in a Chromatographic Reactor

Laboratory scale batch chromatographic reactor experiments were carried for the esterification of acetic acid with n–hexanol to synthesise a value added ester, namely n–hexyl acetate in the presence of an ion exchange resin catalyst, Purolite CT–124. The effect of various parameters such as solvent flow rates in the regeneration step, amount of reactants in the reaction step and reaction step time was studied for optimisation of the reaction condition in a batch chromatographic reactor. This information would be useful for the design, operation and optimisation of n–hexyl acetate synthesis in a continuous chromatographic reactor.