Special proton-gradient-transfer acid complexes （PGTACs） in which the bonded protons are not equivalent and have gradients in transfer ability, acidity, and reactivity were reported. The acidity gradient of the protons gave the PGTACs excellent catalytic activity and selectivity in the esterifica- tion of terpenols. These PGTACs are ＂reaction-induced self-separation catalysts＂ and can be easily reused. The kinetics with PGTACs as catalyst in the esterification of geraniol were also studied for use in engineering design.
