Abstract:
Zirconia and its modified forms such as Mo(VI)/ZrO2 and Pt-SO42-/ZrO2 were coated on honeycomb monoliths. These materials were characterized for their, total surface acidity by NH3-TPD, crystallinity by PXRD and morphology by SEM techniques. They were then evaluated for their catalytic activity in o-acetylation of salicylic acid with acetic anhydride to synthesize acetyl salicylic acid. Honeycomb coated with zirconia and their modified forms were found to be eco-friendly, economical & efficient catalysts for o-acetylation. These catalysts were found to be reusable.

Keywords:Honeycomb, ZrO2, Mo(VI)/ZrO2, Pt-SO42-/ZrO2, acetyl salicylic acid, o-acetylation