Highly selective catalytic properties of HZSM‐5 zeolite in the synthesis of acetyl triethyl citrate by the acetylation of triethyl citrate with acetic anhydride

The catalytic activities of acid catalysts for the acetylation of triethyl citrate with acetic anhydride in the preparation of acetyl triethyl citrate were evaluated. Microporous zeolites such as HZSM‐5 and HY zeolites catalysts were introduced as heterogeneous acid catalysts. HZSM‐5 zeolite catalysts showed a high conversion of triethyl citrate and excellent selectivity of acetyl triethyl citrate. The catalytic activities of HZSM‐5 zeolites were superior to those of the HY zeolites. In particular, the selectivity of acetyl triethyl citrate on HZSM‐5 zeolites exceeded 95%. The moderate acid strength of HZSM‐5 (Si/Al = 75) zeolite led to the highest catalytic activities among the HZSM‐ 5 zeolite catalysts, which have various acid strengths.