Synthesis of α-Glycerol Mono Caprylate from Protected Glycerol

The synthesis of α-glycerol mono caprylate from protected glycerol has been carried out through a two-step reaction process. The transesterification reaction of methyl caprylate and protected glycerol (ratio 1:4) in the presence of 5% K2CO3 (w/w of the total reactant) as a catalyst and solvent-free produced a 1,2-acetonide-3-caprylil glycerol as a yellow viscous liquid with 61.8 % yield. The deprotection reaction of 1,2-acetonide-3-caprylil glycerol using Amberlyst-15 in ethanol for 20 hours at room temperature yielded crude α-glycerol monocaprilate. Purification of α-glycerol mono caprylate using hydro alcohol and n-hexane to produce a white solid with a yield and purity of 63.4% and 100%, respectively.