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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
Tyzor® catalysts promote efficient reaction pathways, maximizing product output while minimizing byproducts and side reactions.
High product yield with minimal side reactions
Tyzor® catalysts promote efficient reaction pathways, maximizing product output while minimizing byproducts and side reactions.
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Consistently Low Catalyst Dosage Requirements
With high catalytic activity, Tyzor® compounds deliver optimal performance at low concentrations, reducing overall usage and cost.
Low catalyst dosage requirements
With high catalytic activity, Tyzor® compounds deliver optimal performance at low concentrations, reducing overall usage and cost.
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Good product color and low-odor generation
Tyzor® minimizes discoloration and odor during processing, ensuring cleaner, more aesthetic end products suitable for sensitive applications.
Good product color and low-odor generation
Tyzor® minimizes discoloration and odor during processing, ensuring cleaner, more aesthetic end products suitable for sensitive applications.
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High solubility across a wide range of solvents and reaction media
Tyzor® exhibits excellent solubility in polar and non-polar systems, enabling broad compatibility in various formulations and processes.
High solubility across a wide range of solvents and reaction media
Tyzor® exhibits excellent solubility in polar and non-polar systems, enabling broad compatibility in various formulations and processes.
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Low toxicity compared to tin, mercury, and antimony compounds
Tyzor® offers a safer alternative to traditional heavy metal catalysts, supporting compliance with health and environmental regulations.
Low toxicity compared to tin, mercury, and antimony compounds
Tyzor® offers a safer alternative to traditional heavy metal catalysts, supporting compliance with health and environmental regulations.
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Easy downstream separation and removal
Tyzor® systems allow for efficient separation from the final product, simplifying purification steps and improving overall process efficiency.
Easy downstream separation and removal
Tyzor® systems allow for efficient separation from the final product, simplifying purification steps and improving overall process efficiency.
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Smart Reactivity for Esterification

Smart Reactivity for Esterification

In esterification reactions, Tyzor® catalysts perform equally well but must be carefully selected due to water's generation as a reaction byproduct. In direct esterification of carboxylic acids and alcohols, the catalyst's sensitivity to water may necessitate higher loading or in-line water removal systems. In cases where standard alkoxides may hydrolyze to form insoluble TiO₂ or ZrO₂, more water-tolerant Tyzor® grades like TE and TOT are recommended. 

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
Primary Products
Plasticizers
Tyzor D-140, Tyzor NPT, Tyzor TnBT, Tyzor TOT, Tyzor TPT, Tyzor TPT-20B
Acrylic Esters
Tyzor 75, Tyzor ET, Tyzor NPT, Tyzor TnBT, Tyzor TOT, Tyzor TPT, Tyzor TPT-20B
All Other
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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