The preparation of hydroxystearic acids from red oil (Commercial oleic acid)

The hydroacetoxylation of red oil (commercial oleic acid) in acetic acid solution has been studied. The optimum hydroacetoxylation conditions were obtained under anhydrous conditions using sulphuric acid as a catalyst at: 1. a concentration of 1% (based on the wt of red oil). 2. at a reaction temp of 70C, 3. at a ratio of acetic acid: oleic acid of 3∶1.