Elementary Transformation of Glycerol to Trivalerin: Design of an Experimental Approach

Abstract

A novel synthesis of trivalerin was accomplished from esterification of glycerol with valeric acid over sulfated iron oxide, a green catalyst. Trivalerin is a valuable compound, extensively acknowledged for its significance as an enzymatic substrate. It is an excellent coalescing and glycogenic agent. Moreover, it acts as an appropriate building block in the production of noteworthy pharmaceutical intermediates. A recent study has reported that trivalerin reduces the extent of Salmonella enteritidis colonization in chickens. This work scrutinizes trivalerin synthesis through single-step glycerol esterification. The effect on significant reaction parameters of trivalerin formation was explored by employing a response surface methodology at two factors and three levels with one central point in the central composite design. The catalyst revealed a maximal acid conversion of 85.5% at a reaction temperature of 453.15 K and a glycerol:valeric acid molar ratio of 5:3. The highest trivalerin selectivity of 74.89...