Synthesis of neopentyl glycol and ethylene glycol esters by fatty acids in the presence of acidic ion exchange resin catalyst

In this study, one of the most effective and less energy demanding method of producing fatty esters, diol esters, by esterifying fatty acids, with neopentyl glycol and ethylene glycol alcohols in the presence of an acidic ion exchange resin catalyst (polyestyrendivinylbenzensulfated) was investigated at elevated temperature. In this process an azeotroping agent, toluene, was used to facilitate continuous removal of water by distillation, formed as a by-product during the esterification reaction.The esterification reaction is completed within 4-5 hours and neopentyl glycol and ethylene glycol esters were produced with properties of lubricity and biodegradability.