Kinetic Characterization of the Esterification of Sulfuric Acid by Ethanol Using Capillary Electrophoretic Ion Analysis

A capillary electrophoretic ion analysis method was developed for monitoring esterification of sulfuric acid by ethanol to form monoethylsulfate. Since the analytes of interest have no chromophores, detection was performed utilizing indirect photometric detection. Several background electrolyte systems were evaluated to optimize the efficiency of the separation. The method was more sensitive and specific in comparison to alternative techniques. Pseudo-first-order rate constants for the esterification reaction were determined as a function of temperature and the activation energy was calculated.