Influence of Heterogeneous Catalysts and Reaction Parameters on the Acetylation of Glycerol to Acetin: A Review

Glycerol, a polyhydric alcohol, is currently receiving greater attention worldwide in view of its glut in the market occasioned by the recent upsurge in biodiesel production. The acetylation of glycerol to acetin (acetyl glycerol) is one of the many pathways of upgrading glycerol to fine chemicals. Acetin, which could be mono, di, and or triacetin, has versatile applications in the cosmetics, medicines, food, polymer, and fuel industries as a humectant, emulsifier, plasticizer, and fuel additive and so it is of high economic value. Given the critical role of catalysts in green chemistry, this paper reports the influence of the different heterogeneous catalysts used in glycerol acetylation. It also reviewed the influence of catalyst load, temperature, molar ratio, and the time on the reaction.