Synthesis of Patchouli Esters from Patchouli Oil in the Presence of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalyst

Patchouli alcohol was isolated from patchouli oil by fractional distillation under reduced pressure. Patchouli esters were then prepared from isolated patchouli alcohol via esterification reaction in the presence of homogeneous (concentrated hydrochloric acid) and heterogeneous (acid-activated bentonite) catalysts. Fractional distillation under reduced pressure was carried out by heating patchouli oil under a pressure until 0 mmHg. Esterification reaction was carried out by heating patchouli alcohol with propionic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst at 100-110 for 3 h The products were characterized using FTIR and GCMS spectrometers. The esterification reaction with HCl 37% and bentonite catalysts produced patchouli propionate in 26% and 21% yields, respectively.