Highly efficient esterification of phenolic acid over metal exchanged montmorillonite clay

A simple and efficient method for the preparation of polyphenolic esters catalysed by various metal exchanged montmorillonites in an enviro-economic route is reported. The activity of the catalysts follows the sequence: Fe3+>Zn2+>Cu2+>Al3+-mont>K-10- montmorillonite. Keywords: esterification, polyphenols, K-10- montmorillonite. Graphical Abstract nArCOOH + R(OH)n Catalyst, CHCl3 Reflux (ArCOO)nR ArCOOH = Phenolic acid Catalyst = various metal exchanged montmorillonites showing the activity order : Fe3+>Zn2+>Cu2+>Al3+-mont> K-10- mont