Purified, moderately esterified polyol polyester fatty acid compositions and synthesis thereof

Processes for the preparation of a purified moderately esterified polyol fatty acid polyester composition including the steps of: forming an initial reaction mixture containing a polyol portion, a highly esterified polyol fatty acid polyester, a moderately esterified polyol fatty acid polyester; and a catalyst; wherein the molar ratio of the polyol portion, highly esterified polyol polyester portion, and moderately esterified polyol polyester portion should be chosen such that the final ratio of total fatty acid esters to total polyol backbones is in the range from about 3.2:1 to about 6.4:1; wherein the molar ratio of said catalyst to said highly esterified polyol polyester is in the range of from about 0.01:1 to about 10:1; and then forming an initial reaction product by reacting the initial reaction mixture in an inert atmosphere, in the presence of a sufficient amount of agitation, for a period of time in the range of from about 30 minutes to about 6 hours, and at a temperature in the range of from about 80° C. to about 140° C.