ESTERIFICATION OF FREE FATTY-ACIDS IN OLI VE OIL WITH METHANOL OR ETHANOL - INHIBITING EFFECT OF ALCOHOL

Esterification of free fatty acids in olive oil with methanol or ethan ol catalyzed by the hydrogen-form of SPC 118 resin was studied in a li quid-phase batch reactor. The effect of alcohol concentration, on the reaction rate was studied. It showed that resin active sites were deac tivated by excess alcohol leading to inhibition of the esterification reaction. In contrast, it was found that the reaction can, be conducte d in an. open, reactor working above the boiling point of alcohol.