Chromium (III) acetate hydroxide -: An efficient catalyst for preparation of 1-monoacylglycerols by the glycidol-fatty acid reaction

Partial monoacyl esters of glycerol and fatty acids (monoacylglycerols) exhibit amphiphatic properties and are widely used as potent surfactants, antistatics, antibacterial compounds and lubricants. Pure 1-monoacylglycerols may be prepared by the addition of individual fatty acids to glycidol. This work deals with application of chromium (III) acetate hydroxide for catalysis of this reaction. Pure 1-monoacylglycerols of caprylic, capric, lauric, palmitic and oleic acids were prepared in high yields using a solvent-free system. The conversion rates as well as activation parameters of the reaction were evaluated. In all cases, 98-99% conversions were attained using 0.5% (w/w) catalyst at 90C.