Behavior of ethyl linoleate in batch rectification of aqueous ethanol solution containing linoleic acid

In shochu mash containing citric acid, fatty acids react with ethyl alcohol to form their esters having high volatility, and the taste and smell of sh ochu are influenced by these esters. Ester formation rates between ethanol and linoleic acid were measured at va rious temperatures. The formation rates are affected by the concentrations of linoleic acid, citric acid as catalyst, and ethanol, and by the reaction temperature. The: rate equation of esterification of the linoleic acid is formulated as a function of the concentrations of linoleic acids (C-L), cit ric acid (Cc) and ethyl alcohol (C-E) as follows. r = k(L) (CLCCCEn)-C-l-C-m The exponents l, m and n were determined. Furthe rmore, the rate constant (k(L)) was estimated as a function of temperature. The distillation behavior of aqueous ethanol solution containing linoleic a cid is measured. No linoleic acid is detected in the distillation effluent. The distillation behavior of ethyl linoleate is interpreted based on the e sterification of linoleic acid by ethyl alcohol in the distillation still a nd the equilibrium of ethyl linoleate in aqueous ethanol solution.