Fatty Acid Esters

C_nH_mCOOH → C_nH_mCOOR + H₂O with n > 2

Fatty acid esters are used in food, paper production and metalworking fluids, but they are mostly consumed as emollients in cosmetics and as lubricants. This is why the required properties differ among the various esters depending on the application. Crucial specifications are odor, color and acid index. MSA produced esters can meet the severest requirements. MSA is also noted as the catalyst for making salts of acylisethionates by direct esterification of the fatty acid j⁶).

PTSA produces esters with a high acid index and long reaction times. With MSA, fatty acid esters with an acid index less than one can be produced in half the reaction time and at a lower catalyst level. Long-chain poly-alcohols such as polyethylene glycol, glycerol or penthaerythritol easily etherify. Unlike most catalysts, MSA does not promote the formation of ethers, which is very important for products with personal care applications. MSA is an ideal catalyst for products used in medical applications since there are no trace aromatics in the ester.