Effect of Bases on Catalytic Properties of Cobalt-Nitrogen-Carbon Composites in Oxidative Esterification of Benzyl Alcohol with Methanol

Abstract

This paper focuses on specific features of the low-temperature (60°C) oxidative esterification reaction of benzyl alcohol with methanol on cobalt-nitrogen-carbon heterogeneous catalyst produced by carbonization of a ZIF-67 metal-organic framework structure. The optimal temperature range of pyrolysis for preparing high-activity catalyst samples was determined. The influence exerted by bases, such as K₂CO₃, Na₂CO₃, triethylamine, para-dimethylaminopyridine, and other additives on the rate and selectivity of the catalytic reaction was examined. It was shown that the esterification occurs via the intermediate formation of benzaldehyde, which is rapidly transformed to methyl benzoate in the presence of a base.