Author: F.O. Nitbani, P.J.P. Tjitda, A.I.R. Detha and F. Nitti

DOI: http://doi.org/10.31788/RJC.2023.1628217

A three-step procedure has been employed to synthesize monoglycerides, namely α-glycerol mono caprate, using capric acid as the raw material. The esterification of capric acid with methanol generated a viscous yellow liquid of methyl caprate with a yield of 85% and a purity of 99.14%. The reaction of methyl caprate and 1,2-O-isopropylidene glycerol (1:4) using a green catalyst from lipozyme TL IM produced a yellowish liquid of isopropylidene glycerol caprate with a yield of 70.3% and 93.13% purity. The ring opening of the acetal group from isopropylidene glycerol caprate with amberlyst-15 in ethanol and followed by simple recrystallization in n-hexane produced α-glycerol mono caprate as a white solid with 64% yield, 100% purity, and a melting point of 51 ⁰C.

Keywords: Capric Acid, Methyl Caprate, Isopropylidene Glycerol Caprate, Α-Glycerol Mono Caprate, Monoglycerides.