Direct esterification of propoxylated glycerin

摘要

Propoxylated glycerin is esterified with excess fatty acid by a process wherein the temperature is increased incrementally and the pressure is reduced incrementally during the course of esterification while removing the water formed as a by-product. Rapid conversion of the hydroxyl groups of the propoxylated glycerin is achieved while minimizing losses of fatty acid. The fatty acid-esterified propoxylated glycerin obtained thereby is useful as a reduced calorie fat substitute.