A new application for transition metal chalcogenides: WS2 catalysed esterification of carboxylic acids

The first application of WS 2 , a well-known graphene analogue, as a solid acid catalyst for carboxylic acid e sterification is reported. WS 2 exhibits excellent specific activities and high conversion to methyl esters of (65-90%) for C2-C16 carboxylic acid esterification with methanol under mild conditions, with Turnover Frequencies between 80 and 180 h - 1 , and outstanding water tolerance even under equimolar water spiking. WS 2 also exhibits good stability towards methyl propanoate in the continuous esterification of propanoic acid, and is a promising candidate for biofuels production.