In this work, a laboratory scale selection study over eight catalytic agents was made in the acetic acid and butyl alcohol esterification reaction (seven Ion exchange resins and a zeolytic solid). Considering some physicochemical characteristics as the activation pre-treating requirements, acidity, thermal stability, reaction performance, etc., it was found that macroporous ion exchange resins are the most efficient catalysts, especially Lewatit K-2431 resin.