Method for preparing saccharide polyesters by transesterification

摘要

An improved method for the preparation of saccharide fatty acid polyesters via an intermolecular transesterification reaction is provided. A saccharide lower acyl ester (for example, sucrose octaacetate) is reacted with a fatty acid lower alkyl ester (for example, methyl stearate) in the presence of an alkali metal alkoxide catalyst to produce a saccharide fatty acid polyester. The reaction is carried out at relatively low temperatures in the absence of solvent. The relatively low molecular weight by-produce ester is removed from the reaction mixture during the course of the reaction in order to drive the equilibrium transesterification reaction to completion. The saccharide fatty acid polyesters are useful as fat substitutes or low-calorie fats in food compositions.