Synthesis of ethyl furfuryl ether (potential biofuel) by etherification of furfuryl alcohol with ethanol over heterogenized reusable H1Cs2PW12O40 catalyst

Ethyl furfuryl ether (EFE) considered as potential biofuel can replace petroleum diesel up to 100%. EFE also has efficient blending properties with biodiesel to improve its cold flow properties. Herein we demonstrate efficient synthesis of EFE by etherification of renewable furfuryl alcohol (FAlc) with ethanol over heterogenized heteropoly acids. Cs-exchanged heterogenized heteropoly acid (H3−xCsxPW12O40, x = 0.5, 1, 2, 2.5) was prepared using ion exchange method. The H3−xCsxPW12O40 catalysts were well characterized by the XRD, BET, XPS, NH3-TPAD and pyridine IR. The etherification of renewable FAlc with ethanol over H3−xCsxPW12O40; H1Cs2PW12O40 catalyst having moderate acidity of 786 µmol/g; and B/L of 3.6 have shown 65% EFE yield and low humin formation with after 98% FAlc conversion and catalyst was observed to be reusable for four cycles (fresh + 3 recycles).