Kinetics of cinnamoyl glycerol formation

The esterifications of glycerol with cinnamic acid, 2-methoxy cinnamic acid, and 4-methoxy cinnamic acid were investigated in batch reactions. Conversions of over 50% were achieved for cinnamic acid and 4-methoxy cinnamic acid within 8 h. After 24 h, conversions of over 80% were obtained for cinnamic acid and 4-methoxy cinnamic acid. Conversions of 33 and 40% were observed for 2-methoxy cinnamic acid after 8 and 24 h, respectively. These reactions were modeled by a system of sequential first-order rate expressions. Kinetic parameters were estimated from experimental data fit to the model equations.