Synthesis of Mercapto Ethyl Ester of Palm Fatty Acid Distillate

Abstract

This research is aimed to study the synthesis of mercapto ethyl ester of fatty acid (MEFA) using palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD). The synthesis was carried out in a jacketed stirred vessel. Water as a byproduct was removed by using vacuum evaporation. p-Toluene sulfonic acid was used as catalyst. Temperature, mercaptoethanol excess, and catalyst amount were varied during the experiments. The variations ranges were 60-80°C, 5-25 %-mole, and 0.8-3.2 %-mole, respectively. The accomplishment of reaction was evaluated by measuring the mercaptan content and yield of MEFA. The mercaptan content and yield of MEFA were in the ranges of 6.4-8.0% and 64-86%, respectively. It was found that mercaptan content and yield increased with temperature. The optimum temperature was found to be 70°C, considering the mercaptan content, yield, and appearance of the product obtained. A full 22 factorial design at a reaction temperature of 70°C showed that mercaptoethanol excess and catalyst amount had significant effects on the mercaptan content and yield of MEFA.