Synthesis of ethylene glycol phenyl ether acrylate by direct ethoxylation of phenyl acrylate

Abstract

One-pot synthesis of ethylene glycol phenyl ether acrylate (EGPEA) was achieved by the reaction of phenyl acrylate and ethylene oxide catalyzed by Al/Mg composite oxide. The catalytic activity sensitively relied on the Al-Mg molar ratios. The assayed Lewis acids blended into the catalyst, such as BF 3 and AlCl 3 , decreased the catalytic activity; while the assayed inorganic base and potassium halides could promote the direct ethoxylation reaction. EGPEA was obtained in a yield of 54.2% when KI was utilized as a co-catalyst.