M. Chakraborty, Vaishali Umrigar, P. Parikh
Sep 12, 2008
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0
Influential Citations
5
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Journal
International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering
Abstract
The present study aims at assessing the effect of microwave irradiation against thermal heat on the production of N-acetyl-p-anisidine by acetylation of p-anisidine. The acetylation of p-anisidine under microwave irradiation produces N-acetyl-p-anisidine in shorter reaction times, which offers a benefit to the laboratories as well as industries. It also eliminates the use of excess solvent. Effects of operating parameters such as reaction time, feed composition, and microwave energy and reaction temperature on selectivity to the desired product have been investigated. The results indicate as high as a 98% conversion of N-acetyl-p-anisidine can be achieved within 12-15 minutes using acetic acid. The use of acetic acid as an acetylating agent against conventionally used acetic anhydride eliminates the handling of explosive acetic anhydride and also the energy intensive distillation step for separation of acetic acid. Organic solvent like acetic anhydride are not only hazardous to the environment, they are also expensive and flammable.