AbstractKinetics of the sulfuric acid catalyzed esterification of palmitic acid with isobutyl alcohol has been studied and reviewed critically. A theoretical rate equation is derived by the following reaction mechanism: (1) The reaction of sulfuric acid and isobutyl alcohol produces isobutyl sulfuric acid which acts as a catalyst; (2) Palmitic acid is protonated by the catalyst to form the reaction intermediate; and (3) The esterification proceeds reversibly. The experimental results are consistent with this rate equation.