KINETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ESTERIFICATION OF SULFURIC-ACID BY ETHANOL USING CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORETIC ION ANALYSIS

A capillary electrophoretic ion analysis method was developed for moni toring esterification of sulfuric acid by ethanol to form monoethylsul fate. Since the analytes of interest have no chromophores, detection w as performed utilizing indirect photometric detection. Several backgro und electrolyte systems were evaluated to optimize the efficiency of t he separation. The method was more sensitive and specific ire comparis on to alternative techniques. Pseudo-first-order rate constants for th e esterification reaction were determined as a function of temperature and the activation energy was calculated.