Study on synthesis of methyl stearate

Methyl stearate was synthesized by esterification between stearic acid and methanol in a self-made reactor with strong acidic cation exchange resin(252) as a catalyst.The effects of esterification conditions on the esterification rate were investigated.Results demonstrate that the optimal reaction condition is established as stearic acid dosage of 40 g,methanol flow rate of 0.30 mL/min,reaction temperature of 95 ℃,and reaction time of 1 h.Relevant esterification rate under the optimal condition is above 99%.The present approach has mild reaction conditions,simple procedures,and high yield of desired product,while the final product has desired quality.