OPTIMIZATION OF GLYCEROL MONOLAURATE (GML) SYNTHESIS FROM GLYCEROL AND LAURIC ACID USING DEALUMINATED ZEOLITE Y CATALYST

Abstract

Glycerol Monolaurate (GML) is used as a surfactant, preservative and emulsifier in food, besides it can be used in cosmetics and medicines. This study obtained to optimize GML synthesis from glycerol and lauric acid. It consisted of two steps, dealumination of zeolite Y catalyst and optimization of GML synthesis. At dealumination process, zeolite Y will reacted with H2SO4 solution and aquadest with temperature at 60°C for 4 hours, then drying with temperature at 110°C for 1 hour, then furnace with temperature at 500°C for 3 hours. The synthesis of GML held by reacting glycerol and lauric acid using dealuminated zeolite Y. The synthesis of GML analyzed using GC-MS to determine the structure, molecular weight, and conversion of GML produced. This study obtained GML optimization to produce the greatest yield of GML. The best test results obtained is 90.75% of GML yield and the estimated value of optimization at temperature 130°C for 4 hours, and the mole ratio of lauric acid with glycerol 1: 7.5 (with the mass of lauric acid is 25 g, and the mass of glycerol is 87.654 g).