Highly selective esterification of bioderived itaconic acid to monobutyl itaconate: kinetic analysis of a reusable 20% (w/w) Rb0.5Cs2.0H0.5PW12O40/MCF catalyst system

Abstract

Monobutyl itaconate (MIB) is an important platform molecule-derived monomer that produces biodegradable polymers. In the present study, a heterogeneous catalyst 20% (w/w) Rb_0.5Cs_2.0H_0.5PW₁₂O₄₀/MCF was developed and characterized by different techniques. Its catalytic activity was studied in the selective preparation of monobutyl itaconate (MIB). 20% (w/w) Rb_0.5Cs_2.0H_0.5PW₁₂O₄₀/MCF exhibited superior catalytic activity and selectivity, outperforming other synthesized bimetallic and monometallic salts of dodecatungstophosphoric acid (DTP). The factors affecting the reaction rate were studied in detail and kinetic studies performed. The reaction follows pseudo-second-order kinetics with the LHHW mechanism. The activation energy was determined. The developed catalyst proved to be water-tolerant, robust, and reusable. This study provides new insight into monobutyl itaconate (MIB) production with enhanced efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability.