RESEARCH ARTICLE

Journal of Oil Palm Research Vol. 12 No. 1, June 2000, p. 81-85

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ESTER FROM DIHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID

ROILA Awang* ; SALMIAH Ahmad*

ABSTRACT

The esterification of dihydroxystearic acid as a source of hydroxy fatty acid and monohydric fatty alcohols (C8-C18) was successfully carried out. The reaction was done at 180°C in the absence of catalyst and the yield of the ester obtained was 80%-96%. The products were analysed by infrared spectroscopy, and some of their physical properties determined.

KEYWORDS:


*Malaysian Palm Oil Board,
P.O. BOX 10620,50720 Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia.