Production of polyol polyesters having reduced color content

摘要

Polyol polyesters having reduced color content are prepared by base-catalyzed transesterification of lower (i.e., C1-C3) alkyl fatty esters having a carbonyl content of less than about 200 ppm with polyols. The esters can be prepared by a pretreatment comprising distilling the said alkyl fatty esters (in a liquid state), preferably with a base, and discarding both the top cut in an amount that is about 5% or less and at least about 2% of the still bottoms.