1-O-Alkyl (di)glycerol ethers synthesis from methyl esters and triglycerides by two pathways: catalytic reductive alkylation and transesterification/reductionElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3gc36907b

From available and bio-sourced methyl esters, monoglycerides or oleic sunflower refined oil, the corresponding 1- O -alkyl (di)glycerol ethers were obtained in both high yields and selectivity by two different pathways. With methyl esters, a reductive alkylation with (di)glycerol was realized under 50 bar hydrogen pressure in the presence of 1 mol% of Pd/C and an acid co-catalyst. A second two step procedure was evaluated from methyl esters or triolein and consisted of a first transesterification to the corresponding monoglyceride with a BaO/Al 2 O 3 catalyst, then its reduction to the desired glycerol monoether with a recyclable heterogeneous catalytic system Pd/C and Amberlyst 35 under H 2 pressure. In addition, a mechanism for the reaction was also proposed. From vegetable oil to glycerol monoethers.