Synthesis of Neopenthylglycolesters using homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts as synthetic lubricant base oils

The preparation of Neopenthylglycol (NPG) esters via esterification reaction of Neopenthylglycol by carboxylic acid in the presence of solid acidic catalysts has been investigated. The used catalysts were natural zeolite, acidic ion exchange resin catalyst (polyestyren divinyl benzensulfated), synthetic zeolites (ZEOKAR-2, ASHNCH-3), heteropolyacid H4Si (W3O10)4, and sulfated metal oxide ZrO2.The reactions were carried out under solvent-less conditions. It was observed that sulfated ZrO2 has higher reactivity and efficiency among the investigated catalysts. For this purpose esterification of ethylenglycol, trimethylolpropan using sulfated ZrO2 by carboxylic acids has been investigated.