Efficient microwave-assisted synthesis of glycerol monodecanoate

International audience; Solvent-free microwave-assisted synthesis was carried out to prepare 2,3-dihydroxypropyl decanoate, by esterification of decanoic acid in the presence of two distinct glycerol derivatives, glycidol, and glycerol carbonate, respectively. The process described is based on microwaves heating source with electrical power in the range of 200–400 W, involving stoichiometric proportions of decanoic acid and glycerol derivatives, and using catalytic amounts of TBAI used as organocatalyst. Conversion and selectivity rates of esterification reactions were monitored by 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy. The predominantly formed ester, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl decanoate was fully chara…