Reaction of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester with Monoethanolamine and Diethanolamine

The course of the reaction between lauric acid and monoethanolamine as well as the reaction of methyl laurate with monoethanolamine and diethanolamine were investigated. Thin layer chromatography with flame ionisation detector was used for reaction mixture analysis. The fatty acid methyl ester is more suitable for production of monoethanolamide and diethanolamide. Sodium methoxide or potassium hydroxide (0.02 mol % ester) was used as suitable alkaline catalysts of reaction. The optimal temperature of methyl laurate or coconut oil with diethanolamine reaction is 80 degrees C. Higher temperatures (over 100 degrees C) lead to a higher concentration of amide ester in the product.