Synthesis of Phytosterol Fatty Acid Esters Using Micelle-Catalyst

Abstract:

Phytosterol fatty acid esters can be synthesized by direct esterification of fatty acid with phytosterol in the presence of acidic/basic catalysts.Micelle-catalysts were used in the esterification reaction for preparation of phytosterol esters in good yields.The experimental results showed that cupric dodecyl sulfate exhibit excellent activity in this reaction,which can be recovered after the reactions and reused.The optimum reaction conditions were determined and listed as follows: molar ratio of fatty acid to phytosterols 1.2∶1and the amount of catalyst 1.0 mol % at 110 ℃ for 4 h.With this optimum coditions,the esterification rate of phytosterol esters reached at 80.7~86.4 %.