Method for the direct esterification of sorbitol with fatty acids

US7151186B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Danisco Cultor America, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Paul McGrane · Sioux Falls, US
• George W. Borden · Niantic, US
• Michael T. Wuesthoff · Gales Ferry, US
• Gary J. Flynn · Mystic, US
• James M. Anderson · Uncasville, US
• John Teixeira · Mystic, US
• Pankaj Shah · Terre Haute, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 30, 2001
• Grant date: Dec 19, 2006
• Expiry date: May 7, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P20/582
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Mixtures of sorbitol fatty acid esters useful as low calorie fat substitutes are prepared through a direct esterification process. The process entails the direct esterification of sorbitol with free fatty acids, optionally in the presence of an esterification catalyst. The resulting sorbitol esters have an average degree of hydroxyl substitution ranging from about 3 to about 5.5. This partial esterification leads to a mixture of esters capable of serving as low calorie fat substitutes without undesirable physiological side effects or the need for additives. Furthermore, the direct esterification process proceeds without the need for large amounts of organic solvents or bleaching agents.