Catalytic esterification of benzyl alcohol with acetic acid by zeolites and their modified forms

An attempt has been made to synthesise benzyl acetate from benzyl alcohol a nd acetic acid using Na-beta, Na-Y, and Na-ZSM5 zeolites and their ion exch anged forms as catalysts. All the catalysts are characterised for their sur face acidity, surface area and crystallinity by n-butyl amine titration met hod, BET and XRD respectively. The esterification reaction has been carried out in liquid phase taking the reactants in different acid to alcohol mola r ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:1). The amount of the ester formed has been estimated indirectly by titrating the unreacted acid with a standard base. The selec tivity was found to be 100% with reasonably good yield (44-83%). The cataly sts are also checked for their reusability.