Abstract: [Purpose] Study on novel technology for green efficient synthsis of isopropyl cinnamate. [Methods] The microwave assisted synthesis was used in the preparation of isopropyl cinnamate from cinnamic acid and isopropyl alcohol. The synthesis of isopropyl cinnamate by the esterification was catalyzed on solid acid Ga2O3/SO42-/ZrO2. The effects of microwave power, molar ratio of methanol to acid，reaction time and amount of the catalyst were analyzed by single-factor and orthogonal experiment. [Results] The results showed that the catalyst had excellent catalytic activity and stability with microwave irradiation. The optimum parameters for esterificaion are, microwave power of 400 W, methanol /acid mole ration of 6:1, the dosage dissimilarity of the catalyst for 0.6 g, reaction time for 20 mins. In this condition, the yield of isopropyl cinnamate reachs 96%. [Conclusions] Microwave assisted synthesis of isopropyl cinnamate over Ga2O3/SO42-/ZrO2 is a cleaner and environment friendly technology, which avoids mechanical erosion and environment pollution.

Key words: microwave synthesis, solid acid, esterification, isopropyl cinnamate