Abstract: The ester interchange of 1,1'-bisnaphthol-4,4'-diacetate and di (2-ethylhexyl) carbonate using various metal compounds as catalysts has been investigated. The relative reactivity of the catalysts was compared from the kinetic data measured by determining the amount of 2-ethylhexyl acetate released during the reaction.GC/MS analysis showed that the poly (1,1'-bisnaphthol carbonate), 2-ethylhexyl acetate, heptanone,octene and acetic acid (acetic anhydride) were formed during the ester interchange.

Key words: 1,1'-bisnaphthol-4,4'-diacetate, di (2-ethylhexyl)carbonate, ester interchange, metal catalyst