Microwave chemistry as a tool for flow chemistry processes

Abstract

A complete chemical kinetic equation for maleic anhydride esterification with 2-ethyl hexanol was experimentally determined under conventional and microwave heating, with and without p-toluene sulfonic acid as a catalyst. These empirical equations were used for simulation of batch and plug flow reactors. Simulation results showed the feasibility of microwave application to this esterification, by analysing the efficiencies of the generators and the corresponding applicators against the microwave effect of reduced reaction time. The microwave heated reaction with 0.012 M of p-toluene sulfonic acid becomes so fast, that it may considered a flash reaction. © 2018 TeknoScienze. All rights reserved.