Production of Coconut Diethanolamide by the Saponification-hydrolysis-amination

Method
Njenga H.N., Mwaniki D.M.,
ABSTRACT
Conventional processes for the manufacture of diethanolamides by amination of fatty methyl
esters have several drawbacks. The presence of free fatty acids and glycerol during
transesterification adversely affect yield. The processes are generally carried out at very high
temperatures and pressures in the presence of catalysts. They are therefore expensive, complex
and not suitable for small-scale manufacturing. In this study, coconut oil was used to make
coconut diethanolamide in a simple batch process involving saponification, acid hydrolysis and
amination. Batches ranging from 10 to 100 g coconut oil were saponified at 75 to 94 0C with
30% w/w sodium hydroxide within 2 hours. 3M hydrochloric acid was used to hydrolyse the
soap into fatty acids. After washing off the impurities from the free fatty acids with hot water,
this intermediate product was dehydrated by evaporation of residual water. The fatty acids were
then aminated with diethanolamine. The average yields of fatty acids and coconut
diethanolamide based on coconut oil were 97 and 145% respectively. The product was analysed
and found to be of a quality suitable for commercial application in detergents.
Key words: coconut oil, saponification, acid hydrolysis, fatty acids, amination, diethanolamine,
coconut diethanolamide
Journal of the Kenya Chemical Society,ISSN 1811-5934, Vol. 5 No. 1 June 2008