We tried to make Triethanol amine esterquat which used as a softener in textile industries. Esterquat synthesis, reacting triethanolamine with stearic or palmitic or methyl esters of fatty acids. Ortho-phosphoric acid used as a acid catalyst. Vaccum and nitrogen flushing applied to enhance the reaction. However, We get very dark brownish colour ester product. It suppose to get light yellowish ester product. Looking forward your suggestions to make lesser colored product.
The colour forms at high temperatur and is due to degradation of phosphoric acid. See attachment for removal of this
I will not apply vacuum, I will just use only nitrogen. The reaction should go on its own. Also what is your reaction temperature? 170C should be fine. You may also want to add a little HPPA to help with the color.
Trails which I have done: Condition : Nitrogen, 150 C, Continues stirring, reaction time 3-5 hours
1. Stearic, palmitic acid + triethanol amine + without acid catalyst
2. Stearic, palmitic acid + triethanol amine + ortho phosphoric acid as a catalyst
3. different temperatures (120- 160 C)
4. reaction time 3-5 hours
All above trails yields very dark brownish color product. According to the literature 1% of hydrogen peroxide used to bleach the color. but still no use of that observed. I wondered whether to use water or any emulsifiers to develop the color or to make more solubility.
First of all, Air/O2 must be removed before heating or reaction start.
During the reaction temperature must be low as do it.
You have to feed nitrogen during the reaction.
You can change catalyst. Catalyst is very important.
Orthophosphoric acid used as an acidic catalyst with a high degree of degradation, which affects the color
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