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Esterification and Transesterification Reactions
Catalysts for Esterification and Transesterification Reactions
Tyzor® organic titanates and zirconates are highly effective Lewis acid catalysts for esterification and transesterification reactions. Developed and optimized over five decades, these catalysts are widely used in producing acrylate esters, plasticizers (e.g., phthalates), and polyester resins such as PET and PBT.
In transesterification, Tyzor® alkoxide-based catalysts—such as Tyzor® TPT, TPT-20B, and TnBT—are noted for their high reactivity and fast conversion rates under anhydrous conditions. These catalysts promote the efficient exchange of ester groups between molecules with minimal byproduct formation. As long as water is excluded, the reaction proceeds cleanly, making these catalysts ideal for producing high-purity esters in continuous or batch processing.
Tyzor® catalysts differ in their moisture sensitivity. Lower molecular weight alkoxides are highly reactive but must be carefully handled in moisture-free environments. For systems where some exposure to water is unavoidable, higher molecular weight alkoxides such as Tyzor® TOT and stable chelates like Tyzor® TE provide enhanced hydrolytic stability. These grades may require slightly higher temperatures and reaction times but are compatible with a broader range of process conditions and raw materials.

Tyzor® Benefits
High product yield with minimal side reactions
High product yield with minimal side reactions
Consistently Low Catalyst Dosage Requirements
Low catalyst dosage requirements
Good product color and low-odor generation
Good product color and low-odor generation
High solubility across a wide range of solvents and reaction media
High solubility across a wide range of solvents and reaction media
Low toxicity compared to tin, mercury, and antimony compounds
Low toxicity compared to tin, mercury, and antimony compounds
Easy downstream separation and removal
Easy downstream separation and removal
Smart Reactivity for Esterification
Smart Reactivity for Esterification
These advantages make Tyzor® catalysts particularly attractive for applications in plastics, coatings, resins, and specialty esters where regulatory compliance, product quality, and process efficiency are paramount.
With over 40 available grades and global support infrastructure, Tyzor® catalysts from Dorf Ketal (originally DuPont) are a dependable solution for industrial manufacturers looking to optimize reaction conditions and product quality in esterification and transesterification processes.
Recommended Products
Subcategory/Type
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Primary Products
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Plasticizers
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Tyzor D-140, Tyzor NPT, Tyzor TnBT, Tyzor TOT, Tyzor TPT, Tyzor TPT-20B
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Acrylic Esters
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Tyzor 75, Tyzor ET, Tyzor NPT, Tyzor TnBT, Tyzor TOT, Tyzor TPT, Tyzor TPT-20B
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All Other
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Tyzor D-140, Tyzor BTP, Tyzor ET, Tyzor LA, Tyzor NPT, Tyzor OGT, Tyzor TE, Tyzor TEAZ, Tyzor TnBT, Tyzor TOT, Tyzor TPT, Tyzor TPT-20B
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