Low‐temperature chemical glycerolysis to produce diacylglycerols by heterogeneous base catalyst

The present study aimed to develop a heterogeneous catalysis process for diacylglycerols (DAG) production through low-temperature chemical glycerolysis. Of the heterogeneous catalysts evaluated, MgO-supported KOH (KOH-MgO) was found effective for the low-temperature chemical glycerolysis, and the KOH-MgO was characterized by FT-IR and powder XRD. Reaction temperature was of paramount importance and 80 degrees C was found necessary to enhance the present reaction. Molar ratio of oil to glycerol at stoichiometric ratio (2:1) gave more DAG formation. 41.80.8wt% of DAG was obtained under these conditions: KOH-MgO concentration 4.5wt% based on oil, acetone dosage 3:1 (acetone to oil in weight ratio), molar ratio of oil to glycerol 2:1, reaction temperature 80 degrees C and time 12h. Practical applications: Heterogeneous catalysis has been recognized as green process, it is advantageous over the homogeneous catalysis in terms of separation and reusability of catalysts. The MgO-supported KOH catalyst described in this study can effectively catalyze the low-temperature chemical glycerolysis, it could be considered for practical applications.