The preparation and purification of monoglycerides. II. Direct esterification of fatty acids with glycerol

Studies have been made on the direct esterification reaction with various saturated and unsaturated fatty acids using more than theoretical concentration of glycerol (for maximum monoglyceride production) at 180C reaction temperature and in presence and absence of alkaline catalyst. The results show that the maximum monoglyceride formed is in the range of 55舑60% of the fatty product at equilibrium stage of the reaction. The alkaline catalyst substantially increases the initial rate of reaction without appreciably lowering the time required for reaching the equilibrium concentration of monoglyceride in the resulting reaction mixture. Catalyst helps in depressing diglyceride formation.