Fischer Esterification Using Solar Irradiation

Abstract

Much research has been focused on developing new methods of synthesizing chemicals in a green, environmentally friendly manner. The majority of green synthesis research is centered on the development of methods to synthesize compounds safely in the environment. One aspect of a completely green synthesis that researchers are forgetting is the use of electricity as a heat source to drive the chemical reactions to completion. A solution to this problem has recently come about with the implement of solar ovens (simple parabolic reflectors) as heating sources. This research focuses on the development of a solar heat source that can be used as the sole heat source for running reactions like Fisher esterification. This work served to find out whether or not it is practical to use solar irradiation to drive chemical reactions.