Controlling reaction selectivity for sugar fatty acid ester synthesis by using resins with different basicities

A strongly basic ion-exchange resin catalyst was reported to exhibit a high catalytic activity in transesterification produce bio-based surfactant, sugar ester under mild condition. However, the side-reactions decompose reactant and product were found occur. This study aimed improve selectivity of synthesis by newly focusing on basicity resin. weakly (Diaion WA20) with lower mass transfer resistance suppressed decompositions while maintaining rate. Controlling molar ratio reactants intraparticle reaction field also increased selectivity, 72.1% yield, 57.5%. Both values drastically compared (selectivity 50.9%, yield 14.3%). is first knowledge show These results suggest that more efficient continuous production process would be possible.