LAUSR

Abstract$$\hbox {Cs}_{2.5}\hbox {H}_{0.5}\hbox {PW}_{12}\hbox {O}_{40}$$Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40 supported on SBA-15 catalysts were prepared via two-sequential-step post-impregnation method with different ratios of cesium salt. The synthesized catalysts were then characterized using nitrogen adsorption–desorption, FTIR, EDX, SEM, BET and TGA analyses in order to determine the physicochemical properties of the catalysts. The activity of the catalysts in the esterification of glycerol to monolaurin was investigated under various reaction parameters including catalyst loadings, reaction temperatures and glycerol-to-lauric acid molar ratio. The highest lauric acid conversion (71.8%) with 44.9% of monolaurin yield was obtained using 20 wt%Cs-HPW/SBA-15 catalyst in 4 h at 170 $${^{\circ }}\hbox {C}$$∘C using 4:1 of glycerol-to-lauric acid molar ratio and 2.5 wt% of catalyst loading. This catalyst was stable and reusable for up to three cycles in the esterification reaction without significant loss in catalytic activity.