Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
6-30-1963
Degree Name
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Chemical Engineering
First Advisor
Saul I. Kreps
Second Advisor
James A. Bradley
Third Advisor
C. L. Mantell
Abstract
Trimethyl borate was prepared by transesterification of a high—boiling methyl ester with a high—boiling trialkyl borate using a metal alcholate catalyst. Interchange occurred between n—amyl borate and the following methyl esters: dimethyl sulfate, parahydroxy methyl benzoate, methyl salicylate, and methyl stearate. Interchange also took place between methyl stearate and tribenzyl borate, tri—n—propyl borate, and tri—m, p—cresyl borate. Highest yields and purities resulted from reactions involving methyl stearate. Catalysts employed were magnesium—aluminum ethylate and aluminum Isopropoxide.
Two methods of separating the methanol—methyl borate azeotrope were evaluated: sulfuric acid extraction and salt splitting. Extraction with sulfuric acid was determined to be the more rapid and convenient method of separation.
Recommended Citation
Murphy, Hugh, "Synthesis of trimethyl borate by ester interchange" (1963). Theses. 2878.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/2878
