Synthesis of polyoxyethylene derivatives of diesters of sucrose with long‐chain fatty acids

Abstract

Summary Since the long‐chain fatty acid sucrose diesters inevitably produced in the synthesis of monoesters are only slightly soluble in water, no important use can be found for them at the present time except as oilsoluble emulsifying agents. In order to exploit new uses we have attempted to improve their solubility in water by introducing oxyethylene radicals into the molecule. The addition reaction of ethylene oxide with the sucrose diesters was carried out in an autoclave in the presence of alkaline catalysts. With the reaction temperature maintained between 100–130° the pressure decreased as the reaction proceeded, and one to two hours were required to consume the ethylene oxide used. The addition products are yellow or orange oily materials soluble in water. Aqueous solutions showed good surface‐active properties.