Synthesis of neopentyl glycol and ethylene glycol esters by fatty acids in the presence of acidic ion exchange resin catalyst

In this study, one of the most effective and less energy demanding method of producing fattyesters, diol esters, by esterifying fatty acids, with neopentyl glycol and ethylene glycol alcoholsin the presence of an acidic ion exchange resin catalyst(polyestyrendivinylbenzensulfated) wasinvestigated at elevated temperature. In this process an azeotroping agent, toluene, was used tofacilitate continuous removal of water by distillation, formed as a by-product during theesterification reaction.The esterification reaction is completed within 4-5 hours and neopentylglycol and ethylene glycol esters were produced with properties of lubricity andbiodegradability.

Keywords:

Ethylenglycol esters , neopenthylglycol estesr , fatty esters , synthetic lubricant ester , resin catalyst