GB946304A - Method of preparing partial fatty acid esters of inositol - Google Patents

Abstract

Partial fatty acid esters of inositol are prepared by reacting inositol with a fatty acid ester of an aliphatic primary monohydric alcohol having 1-8 carbon atoms or of a polyhydric alcohol having not more than 3 carbon atoms at 50-150 DEG C. in the presence of dimethyl sulphoxide and an alkaline interesterification catalyst. The reaction may be conducted at reduced pressure. After completion of the reaction the catalyst is inactivated by water and/or acid and the reaction mixture freed of dimethyl sulphoxide and unreacted inositol. Specified fatty acid esters are those of methanol, ethanol, hexanol, and octanol, such as methyl, ethyl and octyl palmitates, and completely or incompletely esterified glycol and glycerol. The fatty acid radicals preferably contain 8-22 carbon atoms and preferred starting materials are animal, vegetable and marine oils, and fats. Several catalysts are specified. The degree of esterification of the inositol is dependent on the molecular proportions of the reactants and, for example, the mono,-di-and tri-fatty acid esters may be separated by crystallisation or solvent extraction. The partial esters can be used in the preparation of edible products (see Division A2) Examples are given in which inositol is reacted with (1) a hydrogenated mixture of soyabean and coconut oils; and (2) and (3) methyl palmitate. Methyl laurate, glycol mono-oleate and glycol distearate can be substituted for methyl palmitate.ALSO:Partial fatty acid esters of inositol (see Division C2) are used as emulsifiers in the preparation of cakes, candy, chewing gum, licorice, peanut butter and various beverages. The product of Example 1, in which inositol is reacted with a hydrogenated mixture of soybean and cottonseed oils, may be added to plastic shortenings used in the preparation of baked products.