ZINC NANOPARTICLES AS EFFICIENT CATALYST FOR THE TRANSESTERIFICATION OF β -KETOESTERS

Introduction: Transesterification, one of the most effective methods for ester synthesis is usually conducted under acid or basic conditions. Although quite a few methods have been reported for transesterification, they are not general as far as �� -ketoesters are concerned. Aim: We have successfully performed transesterification of 6 type's �� -ketoesters using Zinc powder and Zinc nanoparticles as catalyst. Comparison between the two catalysts in both yield and time of reaction were also done. Materials and Methods: In this research, we study of reaction between benzoyl ethyl acetate with 3-phenyl -1- propanol, benzoyl ethyl acetate with cyclohexanol, ethyl benzoyl acetate with buthanol, ethyl benzoyl acetate with tertio buthyl alcohol, ethyl aceto acetate with 3-phenyl-1- propanol, ethyl aceto acetate reaction with n-penthanol. Results: Some of these methods use toxic and expensive reagents and in relatively large of amount. In this research, transesterification reaction six types �� -ketoesters achieved in present of Zn powder and Zn nanoparticles as catalyst and 5 �� -ketoesters prepared using this method. Conclusion: Zinc Nanoparticles is an efficient catalyst for the transesterification of �� ketoesters with several kinds of alcohols, leading to good yields with high selectivity.