Patent ID: 6121440
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: C07H

Abstract:
A continuous, solvent free process for preparing polyol fatty acid polyesters by interesterifying polyol containing n esterifiable hydroxy groups and fatty acid ester, wherein n is more than about four, and wherein the process comprises:a first stage reaction providing a first stage reaction product having a level of unreacted polyol of less than about 0.50 percent, and wherein the degree of esterification of the reacted polyol in the first stage reaction product is between about 15 percent and about 75 percent;a second stage reaction, the second stage reaction receiving the first stage reaction product and providing further esterification of the first stage reaction product to provide a second stage reaction product, wherein the second stage reaction is controlled to maintain a degree of esterification of the polyol such that no more than about 85 percent by weight of the esterified polyol molecules in the second stage reaction product are fully esterified, and wherein the second stage reaction is controlled to reduce the level of n -y and lower polyol esters to less than about 1.0 percent by weight of the esterified polyol molecules, wherein n -y and lower polyol esters are at least partially digestible within the human gastrointestinal tract.