SELECTIVE SYNTHESIS OF MONOGLYCERIDES FRO M GLYCEROL AND OLEIC-ACID IN THE PRESENCE OF SOLID CATALYSTS

The selective synthesis of glycerol monooleate can be performed in the presence of solid catalysts less corrosive and more easily reusable t han homogeneous mineral acids. The study of various acid solids (zeoli te, clay, ion exchange resin) for the esterification of glycerol (copr oduct of methyl ester synthesis) with oleic acid has shown that cation ic exchange resins were the best catalysts for the selective preparati on of monooleyl glyceride in mild experimental conditions. Indeed, a s electivity of about 90% for an oleic acid conversion higher than 50% i s obtained. It seems that the activity and the selectivity were influe nced by the resin structure. Depending on its crosslinking, the resin acts as a shape-selective catalyst.