A recyclable cucurbit[6]uril-supported silicotungstic acid catalyst used in the esterification reaction

• An heterogeneous catalyst for esterification was obtained by assembling Q[6] with STA. • Large specific surface area and high porosity enhance the catalytic performance. • The catalyst is cheap, durable, efficient and recyclable. The esterification reaction used to prepare butyl paraben (BP) and propyl gallate (PG) catalyzed using a cucurbit[6]uril-supported Keggin-type silicotungstic acid (Q[6]-STA) catalyst has been investigated. The Q[6]-STA catalyst has been characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, EDS, thermal analysis, and surface area studies. Q[6]-STA was easy to prepare in high yield and exhibited some advantageous properties, such as high catalytic activity and its convenient recovery. Moreover, a reusability study showed that the Q[6]-STA catalyst was stable and active.