An improved synthesis of 1-monoolein

Abstract

The synthesis of 1-monoolein has been carried out through a two-step reaction: transesterification of ethyl oleate and 1,2-acetonide glycerol in the presence of sodium carbonate as a catalyst, and followed by deprotection using an Amberlyst-15 catalyst in ethanol. The transesterification reaction of ethyl oleate could produce 1,2-acetonide-3-oleoyl glycerol as a yellow liquid with a yield of 74%. Meanwhile, the deprotection of the intermediate compound could afford 1-monoolein as an unstable white soft solid in a yield of 59% and melting point at 35-37 °C.