Study of the acyl transfer reaction: Structure and properties of glycerol carbonate esters

A series of glycerol carbonate esters derived from glycerol carbonate was s ynthesised by acylation of glycerol carbonate in the presence of aliphatic acyl chlorides. These compounds are characterised polyoxygenated by an endo cyclic diester function and an exocyclic ester function. Physical and physi cochemical properties of glycerol carbonate esters are determined. These co mpounds present a good thermal and oxidation stability. They exhibit surfac tant properties towards water/soybean oil interface. The polyfunctional pro perties enable developments in existing industrial applications as well as in new niche markets.