Performance of Indion ion exchange resin as solid catalyst for the esterification of oleic acid with glycerol

Glycerol Monooleate (GMO) is an emollient and emulsifier that is widely used in cosmetics and food products. GMOs are produced by esterification of oleic acid with glycerol. In this study, Indion Ion Exchange Resins were used to develop low-cost and efficient catalysts for esterification of oleic acid with glycerol. The performance of catalyst was studied under various operating conditions (reaction temperature, the molar ratio of oleic acid to glycerol, and catalyst loading). Effect of the catalyst mass ratio on acid (1-5%), the molar ratio of oleic acid/glycerol (1: 1-1: 8), and the reaction temperature (120-170°C) on acid conversion were studied to obtain the optimal reaction conditions. The optimal condition was obtained on 5%wt of catalyst loading, the molar ratio of oleic acid/glycerol 1:3 at 170°C for 180 minutes. Under the optimal conditions, the prepared catalyst provides an acid conversion of 78%.