Preparation of 1,2-Propanediol as Food Additives from Glycerol as Biodiesel By-product
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55927/marcopolo.v4i3.30Keywords:
1,2-Propanediol, glycerol; food additives; biodieselAbstract
This study converts glycerol, a biodiesel by-product, into high-purity 1,2-propanediol for food additives. Utilizing a three-stage process—transesterification of palm oil, purification, and dehydration—structure confirmation was achieved using FTIR, 1H-NMR, and GC-MS. Results indicated that transesterification yielded 10.38% crude glycerol, subsequently purified to 95.80%. Dehydration produced prop-2-en-1-ol (75.13%), eventually yielding 1,2-propanediol at 77.73% with 96.82% purity. Technical modifications, including dual distillation and optimized H2: glycerol ratios (5:1) in simulation models, further enhanced purity to 99%. This research aligns with global sustainability trends and the FDA’s 2026 priorities for safer food chemicals. The findings suggest that optimized 1,2-propanediol serves as a viable, non-toxic substitute for ethylene glycol, supporting the circular economy in food technology.
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