The catalytic activities of a series of Br鰊sted acidic ionic liquids on esterification of acetic acid with ethanol were investigated under batch conditions. Among the five hydrogen sulfate ionic liquids with cations of pyrrolidonium and imidazolium, the pyrrolidonium ionic liquid [Hnhp]HSO4 showed the best good performance and possessed lowest cost. The distillation technology combined with the ionic liquid [Hnhp]HSO4 as a catalyst was applied in continuous preparation of ethyl acetate. Under the optimum conditions of n (HOAc) : n (EtOH) : n ([Hnhp]HSO4) = 6 : 1 : 0.03(in reaction vessel), 110癈, n (EtOH) : n (HOAc) =1.02 : 1(feedstock), feeding rate 40 mL/h, reflux ratio 1, and ester reflux 35 mL/h, the EtOAc content in coarse ester product taken from the top of tower reached 94-96 %. The reactive distillation system maintained a good balance even after 48 hrs of reaction. Compared with sulfuric acid, the ionic liquid [Hnhp]HSO4 as a catalyst for the esterification is reusable, less corrosive to equipment and friendly to environment.