Several imidazolium ionic liquid（IL）-supported sulfonic acids with different anions,[C_3SO_3Hmim]HSO_4,[C_3SO_3Hmim]BF_4, [C_3SO_3 Hmim]PF_6,and[C_3SO_3Hmim]CF_3SO_3,were synthesized and applied as catalysts for esterification reaction of benzoic acid. The experimental results indicate that imidazolium IL-supported sulfonic acid containing anion of HSO_4^- shows the best catalytic activity.Only when less[C_3SO_3Hmim]HSO_4（0.3 equiv.） applied,was the product obtained with high yield of 97%.Furthermore, the produced esters could be separated by decantation,and the catalyst could be reused after the removal of water.
Yue Qin CaiGuo Qiang YuChuan Duo LiuYuan Yuan XuWei Wang
