Abstract: The synthesis of cyclohexanol and lactic acid as reactants,ferric sulfate hydrate as catalysts under microwave irradiation has been studied.The influence conditions on yield of esterification,such as the ratio of cyclohexanol to lactic acid,the reaction time,the amount of catalyst,the optimum volume of water-taking agent,and microwave power were investigated.The result indicated that the optimum reaction conditions were as follows:ratio of alcohol to acid was 2∶1,the use level of catalyst ferric sulfate hydrate was 2.5 g/0.05 mol,reaction time was 25 min,water-taking agent cyclohexane was 6 mL,and microwave power was 640 W.Under such conditions the esterification rate could reach 91.9%.

Key words: ferric sulfate hydrate, microwave irradiation, cyclohexyl lactate