Showing papers on "Transesterification published in 2000"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors showed that the conversion of triglycerides (TG), diglycerides (DG), and monoglycerides (MG) appeared to be second order up to 30 min of reaction time.
Abstract: Methyl esters were produced by transesterification of palm oil with methanol in the presence of a catalyst (KOH). The rate of transesterification in a batch reactor increased with temperature up to 60°C. Higher temperatures did not reduce the time to reach maximal conversion. The conversion of triglycerides (TG), diglycerides (DG), and monoglycerides (MG) appeared to be second order up to 30 min of reaction time. Reaction rate constants for TG, DG, and MG hydrolysis reactions were 0.018–0.191 (wt%·min)−1, and were higher at higher temperatures and higher for the MG reaction than for TG hydrolysis. Activation energies were 14.7, 14.2, and 6.4 kcal/mol for the TG, DG, and MG hydrolysis reactions, respectively. The optimal catalyst concentration was 1% KOH.
746 citations
TL;DR: In this article, three fatty materials, soy-bean oil, used frying oil and tallow, were transformed into two different types of biodiesel, by transesterification and amidation reactions with methanol and diethylamine respectively.
Abstract: Three fatty materials, soy-bean oil, used frying oil and tallow, were transformed into two different types of biodiesel, by transesterification and amidation reactions with methanol and diethylamine respectively. The ignition properties of these types of biodiesel were evaluated calculating the cetane index of the transesterification products, and the blending cetane number of the amide biodiesel blended with conventional diesel. Amide biodiesel enhances the ignition properties of the petrochemical diesel fuel, and it could account for the 5% market share that should be secured to biofuels by 2005.
443 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that fatty acid analysis methodology for microheterotrophs under consideration for biotechnological exploitation requires optimisation and validation.
416 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that Sn(II)2−ethylhexanoate (SnOct2) was reacted with 2 equiv of benzyl alcohol at 20 °C, and a liberation of octanoic acid in a rapid equilibration was found.
Abstract: Sn(II)2−ethylhexanoate (SnOct2) was reacted with 2 equiv of benzyl alcohol at 20 °C, and a liberation of octanoic acid in a rapid equilibration was found. When the temperature was raised to 180 °C in steps of 40 °C, esterification of benzyl alcohol and octanoic acid was observed up to a conversion of 90%. This esterification was catalyzed by Sn(II) and not by the protons of the free octanoic acid. The esterification liberated Sn(OH)2, which finally precipitated in the form of SnO. This precipitate proved to be a good initiator for the polymerization of lactide above 120 °C. Analogous results were obtained with 1-decanol, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, and neopentane diol. When SnOct2 was reacted with methyl lactate at 20 °C, a chelate complex of one Sn with two lactate ligands was formed, liberating almost all octanoic acid. At higher temperatures, esterification of octanoic acid with methyl lactate and transesterification of the methyl group (yielding methyl octoate) were observed. The latter ester...
414 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, fiber-optic near infrared spec- troscopy was used to quantitatively monitor the transesterifica- tion reaction (6-L scale) of a vegetable oil (soybean oil) to methyl soyate.
Abstract: Biodiesel is a promising alternative diesel fuel ob- tained from vegetable oils, animal fats, or waste oils by transes- terifying the oil or fat with an alcohol such as methanol. In an extension of previous work, fiber-optic near infrared spec- troscopy was used to quantitatively monitor the transesterifica- tion reaction (6-L scale) of a vegetable oil (soybean oil) to methyl soyate. The results were correlated with 1 H nuclear mag- netic resonance spectroscopy. The method described here can
276 citations
TL;DR: In this article, Ceflulore with a degree of polymerization up to 650 can be dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide containing 10 to 20% (w/v: tetrabutylammonium floride trihydrate) without any pretreatment within 15 min at room temperature.
Abstract: Full Paper: Ceflulore with a degree of polymerization up to 650 can be dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide containing 10 to 20% (w/v: tetrabutylammonium floride trihydrate without any pretreatment within15 min at room temperature. The new solvent can be classified as a non-derivatizing one as concluded from 13 C NMR measurements. The solvent can be used as reaction medium for the homogeneous functionalization of the polymer. Cellulose esters are prepared very effective by transesterification reactions. The functional groups are deistributed in the order expected for a homogeneous conversion, i. e., a preferred reaction at the primary hydroxyl groups occurs. Moreover, carboxymethyl cellulose with a preferred functionalization at the primary hydroxyl groups and a nonstatic content of the different repeating units was accessible.
260 citations
TL;DR: Fatty acids esters were produced from two Nigerian lauric oils by transesterification of the oils with different alcohols using PS30 lipase as a catalyst, and some of the fuel properties compared favourably with international biodiesel specifications.
Abstract: Fatty acids esters were produced from two Nigerian lauric oils, palm kernel oil and coconut oil, by transesterification of the oils with different alcohols using PS30 lipase as a catalyst. In the conversion of palm kernel oil to alkyl esters (biodiesel), ethanol gave the highest conversion of 72%, t-butanol 62%, 1-butanol 42%, n-propanol 42% and iso-propanol 24%, while only 15% methyl ester was observed with methanol. With coconut oil, 1-butanol and iso-butanol achieved 40% conversion, 1-propanol 16% and ethanol 35%, while only traces of methyl esters were observed using methanol. Studies on some fuel properties of palm kernel oil and its biodiesel showed that palm kernel oil had a viscosity of 32.40 mm2/s, a cloud point of 28 degrees C and a pour point of 22 degrees C, while its biodiesel fuel had a viscosity of 9.33 mm2/s, a cloud point of 12 degrees C and a pour point of 8 degrees C. Coconut oil had a viscosity of 28.58 mm(2)/s, a cloud point of 27 degrees C and a pour point of 20 degrees C, while its biodiesel fuel had a viscosity of 7.34 mm2/s, a cloud point of 5 degrees C and a pour point of -8 degrees C. Some of the fuel properties compared favourably with international biodiesel specifications.
163 citations
TL;DR: This review deals with fundamental as well as practical aspects of lipase catalysis, and various immobilization techniques have been studied for lipases and some have been shown to enhance the activity and stability of the enzyme.
Abstract: Lipases are versatile catalysts. In addition to their natural reaction of fat hydrolysis, lipases catalyze a plethora of other reactions such as esterification, amidation, and transesterification of esters as well as organic carbonates. Moreover, lipases accept a wide variety of substrates while maintaining their regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. Lipases are highly stable even under adverse conditions such as organic solvents, high temperatures, and so forth. Applications of lipases include production of food additives, chiral intermediates, and pharmaceutical products. Among these, synthesis of various chiral intermediates in pharmaceutical industry and cocoa butter substitutes is being commercially exploited currently. Lipase-catalyzed esterification and transesterification in anhydrous media (e.g., organic solvents and supercritical fluids) has been an area of major research activity in the past decade or so. Absence of water eliminates the competing hydrolysis reaction. Moreover, substrate speci...
159 citations
TL;DR: Novozym® 435 was found to be the only one of those screened to convert ferulic acid to ethyl and octyl ferulate at 20 and 14% yields, respectively.
Abstract: Four commercially available esterases were screened for their ability to esterify ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxy cinnamate). Novozym® 435 was found to be the only one of those screened to convert ferulic acid to ethyl and octyl ferulate at 20 and 14% yields, respectively. The highest percentage conversion was obtained using a 1∶1 mole ratio of alcohol to ferulic acid in stirred batch reactions in anhydrous 2-methyl-2-propanol at 60°C using one equivalent (wt/wt based on ferulic acid) of Novozym 435. Increased water content and a higher alcohol/ethyl ferulate ratio had adverse effects on the lipase-catalyzed esterification. The Novozym 435 activity was tested in less polar solvents (anhydrous toluene and hexane) by monitoring the alcoholysis of ethyl ferulate with 1-octanol, which resulted in a 50% yield of octyl ferulate. The alcoholysis was improved to 83% by applying a 16 mm Hg vacuum for 5 min every 24 h to remove the ethanol co-product. The optimal alcoholysis parameters were applied to the alcoholysis of ethyl ferulate with monoolein and the transesterification with triolein. The transesterification of ethyl ferulate with triolein in anhydrous toluene produced a combined 44% yield of ferulyl monoolein and ferulyl diolein, a 20% greater yield than that obtained for alcoholysis using monoolein. The highest yield, 77%, of ferulyl monoolein and ferulyl diolein was achieved using a threefold excess of neat triolein. The lipase-catalyzed transesterification of ethyl ferulate with triolein appears to be a technically feasible route to ferulyl-substituted acylglycerols, which are potentially useful sunscreen ingredients.
155 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used Diphenylammonium triflate (DPAT) as a catalyst for esterification between equimolar amounts of carboxylic acids and alcohols in good yields under mild reaction conditions.
144 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a system for continuous transesterification of palm oil was developed using a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) and pumps for continuous delivery of oil and catalyst and for continuous removal of product.
Abstract: A system for continuous transesterification of palm oil was developed using a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) and pumps for continuous delivery of oil and catalyst and for continuous removal of product. Potassium hydroxide was used as the catalyst, the methanol-to-oil molar ratio was 6∶1, and reaction temperature was 60°C. The yield of methyl esters increased from 58.8% of theoretical yield at a residence time of 40 min to 97.3% at a residence time of 60 min. However, higher residence times decreased the production rate. During long-term continuous operation, the CSTR displayed steady state conditions in terms of product profile and methyl ester concentration. This process has good potential in the manufacture of biodiesel.
TL;DR: Observations are rationalized in terms of a mechanistic hypothesis based on an enhanced protein flexibility in anhydrous millieu brought about by the denaturing organic cosolvents, thus easing the flexibility constraints imposed by protein–protein contacts.
Abstract: The rates of transesterification reactions catalyzed by the protease subtilisin Carlsberg suspended in various anhydrous solvents at 30°C can be increased more than 100-fold by the addition of denaturing organic cosolvents (dimethyl sulfoxide or formamide); in water, the same cosolvents exert no enzyme activation. At 4°C, the activation effect on the lyophilized protease is even higher, reaching 1000-fold. Marked enhancement of enzymatic activity in anhydrous solvents by formamide is also observed for two other enzymes, α-chymotrypsin and Rhizomucor miehei lipase, and is manifested in two transesterification reactions. In addition to lyophilized subtilisin, crosslinked crystals of subtilisin are also amenable to the dramatic activation by the denaturing cosolvents. In contrast, subtilisin solubilized in anhydrous media by covalent modification with poly(ethylene glycol) exhibits only modest activation. These observations are rationalized in terms of a mechanistic hypothesis based on an enhanced protein flexibility in anhydrous millieu brought about by the denaturing organic cosolvents. The latter exert their lubricating effect largely at the interfaces between enzyme molecules in a solid preparation, thus easing the flexibility constraints imposed by protein–protein contacts. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
TL;DR: In this paper, an attempt was made to use alkaline-earth metal compounds as catalysts for alcoholysis reaction in terms of synthesis di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate and an oligomeric ester of neopentyl glycol.
Abstract: Some esters of carboxylic acids and polyhydric alcohols are environmental friendly lubricants of superior properties. This work presents an attempt to use alkaline-earth metal compounds as catalysts for alcoholysis reaction in terms of synthesis di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate and an oligomeric ester of neopentyl glycol. Magnesium methoxide, calcium oxide, calcium alkoxides and barium hydroxide appear to be active catalysts for transesterification. The mechanism of catalytic activity of these compounds in alcoholysis reaction has been proposed. Synthesised esters possess suitable physicochemical properties as lubricant oils.
Patent•
15 Aug 2000
TL;DR: In this article, a process for the esterification of a mixture of fatty acids and triglycerides is described, which consists of forming a single phase solution of fatty acid and triglyceride in an alcohol selected from methanol and ethanol, the ratio of said alcohol to triglyceride being 15:1 to 35:1.
Abstract: A process for the esterification of a mixture of fatty acids and triglycerides. The process comprises forming a single phase solution of fatty acids and triglyceride in an alcohol selected from methanol and ethanol, the ratio of said alcohol to triglyceride being 15:1 to 35:1. The solution further comprises a co-solvent in an amount to form the single phase. In a first step, an acid catalyst for the esterification of the fatty acids is added. After a period of time, the acid catalyst is neutralized and a base catalyst for the transesterification of triglycerides is added. After a further period of time, esters are separated from the solution.
Patent•
06 Jul 2000TL;DR: This paper proposed a melting transesterification method for producing polycarbonates, which relates to a melting-transesterification technique for polycarbonate polyethylene (polycarbonates).
Abstract: The invention relates to a melting transesterification method for producing polycarbonates.
Patent•
26 Oct 2000
TL;DR: An α-cyanoacrylate may be formed by first condensing a cyanoacetate with paraformaldehyde or formaldehyde; reacting the polymer formed with an alcohol to transesterify the polymer; and depolymerizing the polymer to form α-cyclo acrylate monomers as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: An α-cyanoacrylate may be formed by first condensing a cyanoacetate with paraformaldehyde or formaldehyde; reacting the polymer formed with an alcohol to transesterify the polymer; and depolymerizing the polymer to form α-cyanoacrylate monomers.
TL;DR: In this paper, a variety of solid base catalysts were examined for the reaction of alcohols with ethyl acetate (transesterification) and propylene oxide to elucidate the activity determining factors of the catalyst.
Abstract: Reactions of alcohols with ethyl acetate (transesterification) and propylene oxide were investigated by use of a variety of solid base catalysts to elucidate the activity determining factors of the catalyst in relation with type of alcohol. Solid base catalysts examined were alkaline earth oxides, hydroxides, and carbonates, alumina supported KF and KOH, rare earth oxide, zirconium oxide, etc. Reaction rate of the alcoholysis of ethyl acetate varies with the combination of type of alcohol and basic strength of solid base catalyst. Over strongly basic catalysts such as CaO, SrO, BaO, 2-propanol reacted much faster than methanol. On the other hand, over weakly basic catalysts such as alkaline earth hydroxides, methanol reacted faster than 2-propanol. 2-Methyl-2-propanol reacted only over strongly basic catalysts, and much slower than methanol and 2-propanol. Alcoholysis with propylene oxide was catalyzed only by strongly basic catalysts such as alkaline earth oxides, and KF/alumina, alkaline earth hydroxides scarcely showed activity. γ-Alumina, however, showed a high activity, though the selectivity of products was different from those for alkaline earth oxides. Reactives of alcohols with propylene oxide were in the order, methanol>ethanol>2-propanol>2-methyl-2-propanol, regardless of the type of catalyst. One of the characteristic features observed for both alcoholyses is that the catalysts are tolerant to air exposure, which is caused by strong adsorptivity of alcohol competitive to that of carbon dioxide and water.
TL;DR: In this paper, it is suggested that [Co 0 ⋯(SnO x ) 2 ] should be the active sites for the selective hydrogenation of ester, and the SnO y species favor the reaction of transesterification and the free metallic particles favor the formation of ethylenic bonds.
Patent•
19 Oct 2000
TL;DR: In this paper, a method for separating and recovering dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and ethylene glycol (EG) from a polyester (polyethylene terethate (PET)) waste containing foreign matter, which comprises a step of treating polyester waste in the EG containing a depolymerization catalyst at 175 to 190°C under 0.1 to 0.5 MPA and removing the solid foreign matter floating on the surface of the resultant liquid reaction mixture by the flotation method, a step removing the residual solidforeign matter from the resultant
Abstract: A method for separating and recovering dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and ethylene glycol (EG) from a polyester (polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) waste containing foreign matter, which comprises a step of treating a polyester waste in the EG containing a depolymerization catalyst at 175 to 190°C under 0.1 to 0.5 Mpa and removing the solid foreign matter floating on the surface of the resultant liquid reaction mixture by the flotation method, a step of removing the residual solid foreign matter from the resultant mixture by the solid-liquid separation method, a step of subjecting the resultant solution to distillation and condensation and recovering the EG having distilled out, a step of adding a transesterification catalyst and methanol to the resulting residual solution to effect a transesterification between the residual solution and methanol to thereby form DMT and EG and subjecting the resultant reaction mixture to a recrystallization treatment followed by a centrifugal separation treatment, to thereby separate the mixture into a cake of DMT and a mixed solution, and subjecting the cake to rectification to distill out and recover a high purity DMT, a step of subjecting the residual mixed solution to distillation to recover methanol, and a step of subjecting the resultant residue to distillation to recover EG.
TL;DR: The purpose of this study was to optimize a rapid method for fatty acid analysis in Iberian pig subcutaneous adipose tissue by using an in situ transesterification method to avoid the lengthy lipid extraction step.
TL;DR: Normal and β-ketoesters have been successfully transesterified with primary, secondary, unsaturated, allylic, cyclic, hindered alcohols and amines by Mg-Al-O-t-Bu hydrotalcite catalyst for the first time affording excellent yields of products at a faster rate under heterogeneous catalysis as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Normal and β-ketoesters have been successfully transesterified with primary, secondary, unsaturated, allylic, cyclic, hindered alcohols and amines by Mg-Al-O-t-Bu hydrotalcite catalyst for the first time affording excellent yields of products at a faster rate under heterogeneous catalysis.
TL;DR: In this article, the transesterification reaction conditions were optimized in order to obtain high yields of esters of the quality defined by standards for biodiesel fuels and for a short reaction time.
Abstract: Rapeseed oil esters with lower aliphatic alcohols (C1−C4) were prepared in simple batch mode using an alkali (KOH) or acid (H2SO4) catalyst. The transesterification reaction conditions were optimized in order to obtain high yields of esters of the quality defined by standards for biodiesel fuels and for a short reaction time. Under these conditions it was possible to prepare only the methyl and ethyl esters catalyzed by KOH. Propyl and butyl esters were obtained only under acid catalysis conditions. The reaction catalyzed by H2SO4 was successfully accelerated using slightly higher catalyst concentrations at the boiling points of the alcohols used. The branched-chain alcohols reacted more slowly than their linear homologs, while t-butanol did not react at all. It was also possible to transesterify rapeseed oil using a mixture of alcohols characteristic of the end products of some fermentation processes (e.g., the acetone-butanol fermentation). A simple calculation was made which showed that, because of the higher price of longer-chain alcohols and because of the more intensive energy input during production the esters of these alcohols, they are economically unfavorable as biodiesel fuels when compared with the methyl ester.
TL;DR: The preparation is shown to be promising for its end application in producing structured lipid and an incorporation of 25% docosahexaenoic acid into soybean oil was observed in n-hexane media in 24 h with the immobilized lipase.
TL;DR: Primary and secondary alcohols react with vinyl or isopropenyl acetate at room temperature in the presence of catalytic amounts (0.05-1 mol %) of Y5(OiPr)13O to give the corresponding esters.
TL;DR: The kinetic study of the esterification of vitamins with L−methyl lactate in organic media has been carried out and agrees with ping‐pong‐ordered Bi‐Bi when the initial vitamin concentration is low, but with high initial substrate concentration, change of the kinetic by other phenomena, such as interaction of substrates with molecular sieves, adsorption of the methanol formed, and decreases of substrate diffusion, could be considered.
Abstract: Immobilized lipase from Candida antarctica (Novozym 435) was used in organic media to catalyze esterifications of vitamins (ascorbic acid and retinol) from hydroxy acid. We described the synthesis of retinyl L-lactate by transesterification between retinol and L-methyl lactate with yield reaching 90% and the synthesis of ascorbyl L-lactate by transesterification between ascorbic acid and L-methyl lactate with yield reaching 80%. The kinetic study of the esterification of vitamins with L-methyl lactate in organic media has been carried out and agrees with ping-pong-ordered Bi-Bi when the initial vitamin concentration is low. When initial vitamin concentration is high, the kinetic is similar to a hybrid ping-pong-ordered Bi Bi or hybrid ping-pong-random Bi Bi mechanism. However, with high initial substrate concentration, change of the kinetic by other phenomena, such as interaction of substrates with molecular sieves, adsorption of the methanol formed, and decreases of substrate diffusion, could be considered. It is obvious that in these conditions, classical enzymology (i.e., Michaelian enzymology) cannot be used for the interpretation of results.
Patent•
07 Jun 2000
TL;DR: In this paper, a method for producing fatty acid esters of monovalent alkyl alcohols by base-catalyzed transesterification of polyvalent alcohols is described.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing fatty acid esters of monovalent alkyl alcohols by base-catalyzed transesterification of fatty acid esters of polyvalent alcohols. In said method, oils are used which contain free fatty acids and phosphatides, in addition to fatty acid esters of polyvalent alcohols. The method consists of several stages. The fatty acids contained in the starting material are treated with a base mixture of glycerine and a catalyst. This mixture is produced as a polar phase in the following transesterification stages and can be separated from the reaction mixture, using phase separation. Calculation procedures are provided for determining the minimum amount of catalyst necessary, depending on the acid number of the oil. The invention also relates to the use of esters produced by this method as diesel fuels.
TL;DR: In this paper, the molar ratio of added p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) was varied in order to investigate its effect on the curing characteristics of thes modified unsaturated polyesters.
Abstract: The depolymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by alcoholysis reaction is an easy operation and gives prospects for the valorization of wastes. PET waste was first depolymerized by glycolysis reaction at different molar ratios of diethylene glycol (DEG), in the presence of Mn acetate as a transesterification catalyst. The glycolyzed products obtained were reacted with p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) and maleic anhydride (MA) to prepare modified unsaturated polyesters. The molar ratio of added PHBA was varied in order to investigate its effect on the curing characteristics of thes modified unsaturated polyesters. The data obtained revealed that an increasing molar ratio of PHBA, within the studied range of concentrations, leads to a reduction in th peak exothermic temperature (T max ) accompanied with the required delay in the curing time. The curing characteristics of these modified polyesters are not so fast anymore, which is not manageables and considered as disadvantageous from th practical point of view, showing instead a moderate speed.
TL;DR: In this article, a method for simultaneous analysis of transesterification reaction products ( triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, methyl esters, and glycerol) using gel permeation chromatography was developed.
Abstract: A method for simultaneous analysis of transesterification reaction products — triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, methyl esters, and glycerol — was developed using gel permeation chromatography. Two Phenogel columns are coupled in series to a refractive index detector, and tetrahydrofuran is used as the mobile phase. Sample preparation involves only dilution and neutralization. The column was calibrated with standard solutions of the compounds. Reproducibility of the method was good: analysis of palm oil transesterification products at different levels of conversion showed a relative standard deviation of 0.27% – 3.87%
TL;DR: From the variation of rate constant at one temperature for a series of PET polymers with differing carboxyl to hydroxyl end groups, it appears that transesterification by direct ester−ester interchange is very small.
Abstract: Mixtures of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylate) have been transesterified at temperatures between 553 and 573 K. The partially transesterified polymers wer...
TL;DR: In this paper, the RBD palm kernel oil (Lee Oilmill, Klang) together with a reagent which was a mixture of proprietary polyhydroxyl compound and basic catalyst were reacted at ratio of 80 : 20 to get the highest functionality value possible.
Abstract: In recent years, the use of renewable resources has attracted the attention of many technologists as potential substitutes for petrochemicals, mainly from forest products. Palmeri oil, vernonia oil, castor oil and recently the cardanol oil are naturally synthesized with multiple functionality and are a new source of renewable resources which have a very bright future as an alternative to petroleum feedstock [1–3]. Since the invention of polyurethane by Bayer in 1937, the utilization of polyurethane is ubiquitous. Polyurethanes are block copolymers containing blocks of low molecular weight polyesters or polyethers covalently bonded by a urethane group (-NHCO=O). These polymers are synthesized by reacting three basic components consisting of polyisocyanate, polyhydroxyl-containing polymer (i.e. polyester or polyether polyols) and a chain extender, which is usually low molecular weight diols or diamines (i.e. 1,4-butanediol or 1,4-dibutylamine) [4]. Currently, there is a wide range of polyisocyanates, polyols and chain extenders commercially available and this has led to almost unlimited possibilities for polyurethane materials. Because of the inherent versatility on polyurethane syntheses, the properties of this class of polymers can be easily engineered to suit the applications required. Palm kernel oil is the focus of this study because it is available in abundance in Asia, especially Malaysia. In addition, it is produced from the production of palm fruit as much as 3.8 tons per hectare per annum [5], as well as offering very low market price. In this study, the RBD (refined-bleached-deodorized) palm kernel oil was derivatized using a new development in polyurethane technology by combination with polyethylene glycol under basic condition. Methods used in the process involved polycondensation and transesterification [6] where low reaction temperature and short reaction time as well as high percentage of yield are offered. The RBD palm kernel oil (Lee Oilmill, Klang) together with a reagent, which was a mixture of proprietary polyhydroxyl compound and basic catalyst were reacted at ratio of 80 : 20 to get the highest functionality value possible. The reaction was carried out in laboratory scale. The mixture was continuously stirred in a 2L-glass reactor and was maintained at 183± 2 ◦C for 20–30 min, with nitrogen blanket throughout the process. The reflux flask was connected to a condenser and the vacuum pump to withdraw the water from the system. The progress of the reaction was monitored by sampling at intervals. The samples were then analyzed. At the end of the reaction, the polyol produced was kept in a sealed cap glass container for analysis. 120 g of crude MDI (Cosmonate M-200, Cosmopolyurethane, Port Klang) was poured into 100 g of the mixture of the RBD palm kernel oil polyol with additives (surfactant, catalyst and water) and was mixed thoroughly using a standard propeller with speed of 3500 rpm for 10 s. The mixture was then poured into a waxed mold, covered and screwed tight. The foam was demolded after 10 min. It was then conditioned for 16 h at 23± 2 ◦C before characterization. Foams were characterized for their apparent densities, compression strength, dimensional stability and water absorption following the standard method BS 4370: Part 1: 1988 (Rigid polyurethane foam produced by the press injection method). The RBD palm kernel oil changed from a cloudy pale yellow solid (at 24–25 ◦C) before derivatization to a clear golden yellow liquid after reaction. It has a viscosity of 262.5 mpa s and density 948.2 kg/m3 at 25 ◦C. The moisture content was 0.12% and it had a pH value of about 9–10. The cloud point was observed at 13 ◦C. The hydroxyl number calculated was approximately in the range of 350–370 mg KOH/g sample. Through gel permeation chromatography (GPC), the molecular weight was calculated at the range of 430– 450, leading to functionality value of 2.8–3.0. The purity of the synthesized polyol was checked by thin layer chromatography and was confirmed to be reproducible. Fig. 1 show the two peaks used for monitoring the derivatization process. Peak B does not appear in the FTIR spectrum of underivatized RBD palm kernel oil. The ratios of the percentage transmittance of these two peaks are calculated and plotted against the reaction temperatures.