Application of choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) as catalyst for glycerolysis of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) and glycerol

This study optimized the synthesis of mono-diacylglycerol (M-DAG) through the glycerolysis process with palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD). The reaction took place under vacuum conditions with a deep eutectic solvent (DES) catalyst synthesized from choline chloride (ChCl)/p-toluenesulfonate (PTSA). The results showed that the best operating conditions were at a catalyst concentration of 2.5 %, time 105 min, and temperature 125.2 °C. The optimal M-DAG yield obtained was 40.12 %, with MAG and DAG contents of 74.19 % and 18.33 %. The product M-DAG has an emulsion capacity of 88 % and a melting point of 60 °C.