Micro‐emulsion process for the preparation of sucrose esters

Abstract

A new process, based on micro‐emulsion technology, has been developed for the production of sucrose esters of fatty acids. Sucrose dissolved in propylene glycol, methyl stearate, sodium stearate, and catalyst (K2CO3) are combined to form a transparent emulsion and interacted. The system remains transparent throughout the distillation of the propylene glycol, indicating the formation of a micro dispersion of sucrose. Upon completion of the distillation all of the methyl stearate is converted to sucrose stearate. Starting with a 1.5:1.0:0.9 molar ratio of sucrose, methyl stearate, and sodium stearate, the reaction product, after purification, is 85% sucrose monostearate, 15% sucrose distearate.

Esterification kinetics of glycerol with fatty acids in the presence of sodium and potassium soaps

“…The formation of a mixed interfacial film of ionic surfactant (carboxylate) and synthesized nonionic monoacylglycerol lowers the interfacial tension between phases to produce transparent microdispersion of glycerol. The formation of microemulsion during preparation of fatty acid esters in the presence of ionic surfactants was observed previously [17,18]. Fatty acid soaps have been found to be very important components of the reaction mixture and play two roles.…”

“…The best result was obtained when the transesterification took place in the presence of an ionic surfactant and sodium hydroxide as catalyst. The formation of a microemulsion during preparation of fatty acid esters in the presence of sodium carboxylate was observed previously [18]. In order to shift the equilibrium constant towards the synthesis of monoacylglycerols azeotropic methods with corresponding solvents [10,11,14] or esterification at reduced pressure were used [19].…”

Enzyme‐Catalyzed modification of oilseed materials to produce eco‐friendly products

“…284,287). Sucrose esters, produced chemically at temperatures above 100°C and resulting in a broad product distribution (288)(289)(290)(291), have numerous applications in the food and cosmetics industries as biodegradable and biocompatible surfactants (reviewed in Ref. 286).…”

Surfactants Based on Carbohydrates and Proteins for Consumer Products and Technical Applications

“…Several improvements of the process, such as the reaction with acyl chlorides or the application of two-phase reaction systems with propylene glycol and an emulsifier in order to build a microemulsion, have been described in the literature and patents [21]. Another approach for the synthesis of sugar esters is the use of enzymes.…”