Micro-emulsion process for the preparation of sucrose esters

A new process, based on micro-emulsion technology, has been developed for the production of sucrose esters of fatty acids. Sucrose dissolved in propylene glycol, methyl stearate, sodium stearate, and catalyst (K₂CO₃) are combined to form a transparent emulsion and interacted. The system remains transparent throughout the distillation of the propylene glycol, indicating the formation of a micro dispersion of sucrose. Upon completion of the distillation all of the methyl stearate is converted to sucrose stearate. Starting with a 1.5:1.0:0.9 molar ratio of sucrose, methyl stearate, and sodium stearate, the reaction product, after purification, is 85% sucrose monostearate, 15% sucrose distearate. Presented at the AOCS Meeting in Philadelphia, October 1966.