Preparation of sorbitol fatty acid polyesters, potential fat substitutes: Optimization of reaction conditions by response surface methodology

Effects of the reaction temperature, reaction time, mole ratio of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) to sorbitol, and mole ratio of fatty acid sodium soaps (FASS) to sorbitol on yields of sorbitol fatty acid polyester (SFPE) were examined with a response surface methodology. The optimum reaction conditions selected with response surface analysis were as follows: reaction temperature, 144 degrees C; reaction time, 6.65 h; mole ratio of FAME to sorbitol, 10.7:1; and mole ratio of FASS to sorbitol, 0.77:1. Under these reaction conditions, the experimental yield of sorbitol fatty acid polyester (mean value: 92%, range: 89-94%) obtained from seven replications was close to the predicted value (94%) calculated from the polynomial response surface model equation. The response surface methodology approach used in this study was able to predict the reaction conditions necessary for a high yield of sorbitol fatty acid polyester.