LAUSR

Abstract ZIF-8 is a zeolitic imidazolate framework which is a subclass of metal organic framework (MOF). ZIF-8 is the emerging class of MOF with various applications. Dodecatungstophosphoric acid (DTP) encapsulated ZIF-8 was prepared first time using bottle around the ship strategy. This approach covers ZIF-8 synthesis along with DTP encapsulation in one pot synthesis. The synthesized catalyst shows highest catalytic activity for esterification reaction of benzoic anhydride with cinnamyl alcohol to form cinnamyl benzoate. Heterogeneous catalytic synthesis of cinnamyl benzoate with complete reaction kinetics is presented here for the first time. Cinnamyl benzoate is a famous perfumery and flavoring agent and GRAS listed food additive molecule. Catalyst preparation method is simple, rapid and can be done at room temperature using water as a solvent. DTP@ZIF-8 shows sodalite like structure and it was confirmed by applying several characterization techniques like SEM, TEM, XRD, BET, FTIR, TGA and ammonia-TPD. Duration of DTP@ZIF-8 crystal formation was studied and optimized up to 12 h. Catalyst is thermally stable up to 400 °C and showed reusability for 3 cycles. Reaction kinetics was studied with best fit of Eley-Rideal mechanism.