Efficient esterification of eugenol using a microwave-activated waste kaolin

Abstract: Eugenyl acetate has been investigated because of its beneficial bioactive antioxidant, antimicrobial and potential properties against the development of Aedes aegypti larvae. Here, we report, for the first time, the use of a catalyst prepared from flint kaolin with microwave irradiation for the acetylation of eugenol. A few kinetic parameters were evaluated in the experiments used for eugenol ester synthesis. High conversions (98%) were obtained after 1 h of reaction. The prepared material shows good activity (over 90%) even after 4 cycles of use. Therefore, the use of microwave radiation made it possible to prepare a catalyst in a very short time using a low-cost industrial by-product as a raw material that proved to be highly active, in addition to the additional advantage of being reusable, which would reduce possible environmental impacts caused by its disposal in the environment. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2020, Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary.