Synthesis of Riboflavin Tetrapropanate by Solid Superacid Sulphate Ion on Zirconium Dioxide
Zhao Jinglian, Zhang Zhoumei
(Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China)

Abstract:  The riboflavin tetrapropanate was synthesized starting from riboflavin and propionic anhydride. The solid superacid sulphate ion on zirconium dioxide is used as a catalyst. It was found that the catalyst activity was the highest when zirconium oxychloride·8 water immersed in 1 mol/L sulphuric acid for 24 h   and baked 3 hat 600 degree. The factors influencing the yield of the esterification of riboflavin and propionic anhydride are discussed. Optimum conditions for reaction involve that riboflavin and propionic anhydride is 1¡Ã40 (molar ratio), mass of catalyst is 4.7% of the total systemmass, reaction temperature is 85 degree, and reaction time is 3 h. Yield of riboflavin tetrapropanate reaches 78.3%.
Keywords: riboflavin tetrapropanate;solid superacid;catalyst esterification