Synthesis of mixed anhydrides of fatty acids: Stability and Reactivity

This work describes a novel and efficient method of synthesis of fatty esters by the esterification reaction with mixed carboxylic fatty anhydrides, using heterogeneous acid catalyst. These anhydrides, characterized by the general formula RCOOCOC15H31, can be easily prepared by the reaction of palmitic acid with the acid chloride in organic solvent and in the presence of triethylamine as acid acceptor. These anhydrides should be stable and react as acylating agents.