Ultrasound (frequency20 kHz to l0 MHz) is cyclic sound
pressure with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human
hearing[16]. The main principle behind the application of ultrasonic waves to the reaction is a phenomenon known as cavitation.
The ultrasonic waves technique has two cycles i.e. compression and
rarefaction. During rarefaction a vacuum pressure creates a cavitation bubble and when the compression cycle occurs the bubble
implodes in a very short period of time, producing localized heating, high pressures and liquid jet sprays with high velocities [17].
The ultrasound assisted techniques are playing an important role
in chemical processes, especially in cases where conventional
methods require extended reaction times. Applying Ultrasound to
the chemical reaction process enhances mixing, shearing, transfer
of materials and the rate of chemical reactions effectively reducing
the reaction time[18–20]. Use of ultrasound irradiation is a promising and untapped technology for chemical reactions, though it was
in use for last few decades. It can improve the reaction conditions,
accelerate the rate of reaction and produce a higher yield[21,22].
Recently, synthesis of methyl butyrate was carried out using conventional heterogeneous route with amberlyst-15 as a catalyst
[11]. The equilibrium conversion reported was greater than 90%
using amberlyst-15 catalyst under optimal reaction conditions.
However, the time required to achieve this equilibrium conversion
was longer (about 4 h) which needed to be reduced further