abstract |
A process for the selective esterification of long chain length fatty acid monoglycerides, particularly monobehenin, with medium chain length fatty acids, particularly a mixture of C8 and C10 saturated fatty acids, is disclosed. In this process, an at least about 60 % pure C18-C24 fatty acid monoglyceride or mixture thereof is esterified with an at least about 90 % pure C6-C10 fatty acid or mixture thereof at a temperature of from about 140° to about 250 °C in the substantial absence of an esterification catalyst. The mole ratio of fatty acid to monoglyceride used in this monoglyceride esterification is at least about 3:1. Water generated during this monoglyceride esterification is also continuously removed. |