Single-step preparation and catalytic activity of mesoporous MCM-41 and SBA-15 silicas functionalized with perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid groups analogous to Nafion^®

Preparation of hybrid organic–inorganic MCM-41 and SBA-15 silicas functionalized with perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid groups has been achieved in a single step by reacting the mesoporous silicas with 1,2,2-trifluoro-2-hydroxy-1-trifluoromethylethane sulfonic acid β-sultone; the catalysts showed higher activity than commercial Nafion®–silica composite for the esterification of long chain fatty acids with ethanol.