Acetylation of glycerol to synthesize bioadditives over niobic acid supported tungstophosphoric acid catalysts

Acetylation of glycerol to yield mono, di and triacetin (acetylated glycerol) was carried over niobic acid supported tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) catalysts. The catalysts with varying TPA content were prepared and characterized by different techniques. The characterization results reveal the presence of well-dispersed Keggin ion on support. The results suggest that the glycerol conversion and selectivities depend on the acidity of the catalysts, which in turn is related to the content of TPA on niobic acid. The change in conversion and selectivities during the acetylation also is attributed to the reaction time, catalyst concentration and glycerol to acetic acid molar ratio.