Production Design of Sucrose Ester Using Purification Process

Sucrose ester (SE) is an anionic surfactant compound with a high affinity for water and potential applications as a component in personal care products. This study aimed to determine the SE purification process using the liquid-liquid extraction method with different types of salts, specifically sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl), alongside SE (Palmitate, Laurate, and Stearate). The production process of SE employs a sucrose to fatty acid ratio of 1:3, with the addition of a 6% w/v potassium carbonate (K2CO3) catalyst. The temperature is initially set at 60 °C for 30 minutes and is gradually increased to 100 °C for 90 minutes. The SE purification process is conducted using liquid-liquid extraction. Lactic acid is added until the pH reaches 5. The organic solvent isobutanol is combined with saltwater (10% salt in a 1:10 ratio). The temperature is maintained within the range of 55-70 °C. The organic phase is mixed with saltwater in a 1:1 ratio. The final product is then evaporated. HPLC analysis revealed only monoester compounds. FTIR analysis of sucrose ester indicated the presence of C-H and C=O functional groups within the wavelength range of 1730.15 - 1732.08 and 2850.79 - 2854.65. After purification, emulsion stability, foam stability, and yield parameters decreased. However, droplet size, surface tension, and interfacial tension parameters increased. The use of KCl salt proved to be the most effective treatment. Instead of being the primary emulsifier in the formulation of personal care products, the sucrose ester purification product is more suited as a solubilizer.