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Title: Kinetics of cinnamoyl glycerol formation

Author
item Holser, Ronald

Submitted to: Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/26/2007
Publication Date: 1/4/2008
Citation: Holser, R.A. 2008. Kinetics of cinnamoyl glycerol formation. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 85:221-225.

Interpretive Summary: The preparation of an ultraviolet (UV) absorbing compound made from agricultural byproducts is described. These materials may be used in cosmetic, personal care, or other industrial applications where a polar compound is advantageous. These compounds would not readily be absorbed through the skin and could replace sunscreen ingredients that are absorbed through the skin and thereby pose health risks. It is expected that the market for these compounds will provide an outlet for the surplus glycerol that is generated during the production of biodiesel fuel from vegetable oils.

Technical Abstract: The esterifications of glycerol with cinnamic acid, 2-methoxy cinnamic acid, and 4-methoxy cinnamic acid were investigated in batch reactions. Conversions of over 50% were achieved for cinnamic acid and 4-methoxy cinnamic acid within 8 hours. After 24 hours conversions of over 80% were obtained for cinnamic acid and 4-methoxy cinnamic acid. Conversions of 33% and 40% were observed for 2-methoxy cinnamic acid after 8 hours and 24 hours, respectively. These reactions were modeled by a system of sequential first order rate expressions. Kinetic parameters were estimated from experimental data and fit to model equations.