Parameters study on the production of isoamyl acetate via milli-reactor in a solvent-free system

Abstract

Isoamyl acetate is an aromatic ester that has a similar smell to banana. This ester is high in demand for various industries application, especially in the flavour and fragrance sectors. This research aims to investigate the effects of synthesis parameters on the production of isoamyl acetate in a milli-reactor. Non-catalyzed reaction was performed by reacting isoamyl alcohol with acetic anhydride without further dilution. The flow rate of 40 to 80μL/min, reaction temperature of 20 to 50°C, and acid-alcohol molar ratio of 0.5 to 2.0 were chosen as the reaction parameters. All samples were analyzed through gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection (GC-FID). The results revealed that the highest production of isoamyl acetate was obtained at the flow rate of 60μL/min and temperature of 50°C with the acid-molar ratio of 0.5. In conclusion, these synthesis parameters significantly influences the non-catalyzed esterification reaction of isoamyl acetate production in a milli-reactor.