Increasing the value of dilute acetic acid streams through esterification part I. Experimental analysis of the reaction zone

Increasing the value of dilute acetic acid streams through esterification is analyzed. The main advantage of the process is the simultaneous water purification and production of an ester having a good commercial value. The new method proposed has the purposes to save the costs arising from the treatment of the wastewater and utilize in chemical synthesis the acetic eliminated. The performed reaction is a three-phase system in which Amberlyst 15 is used as acid catalyst. It is clearly demonstrated that the reactions take place in the organic phase and not in the aqueous one and a conversion of about 70% can be reached.