Catalytic Synthesis of Ethylene Glycol Mono Stearate by Supported p-Toluene Sulphonic Acid

The synthesis of ethylene glycol mono stearate by supported p-toluene sulfonic acid was investigated.The factors influencing its catalytic performance were also studied and optimized,including reaction time,molar ratios of alcohol to acid,the amount of dosage and the amount of catalyst.The conversion of stearic acid was 97.82% under the optimum conditions of the molar ratio of alcohol to acid 3.5 ∶ 1,the amount of catalyst 2.8%,the dosage of toluene used as water-carrying reagent 30%,and reaction time 150 min.Moreover,the catalyst could be recycled and used for many times.