Optimization of synthesis of vitamin E octenylsuccinate

Catalyzed by 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and zinc powder (Zn) , vitamin E octenylsuccinate (VE-OS ester) was synthesized by the reaction of octenylsuccinic anhydride (OSA) and vitamin E (VE) . Each reaction factor of synthesis process was studied, and the synthesis of VE-OS ester was optimized by response surface methodology on the base of the single factor experiment, and a well-fitted mathematical model was established. Results showed that the amount of DMAP was the most significant factor for the reaction. The maximum theoretical VE conversion rate of 100% was obtained when the mole ratio of OSA to VE and DMAP to VE were 2.3 ∶1 and 0.2 ∶1, respectively, and the amount of solvent was 61.67mL. The real conversion rate was 99.04% according to the theoretical experimental condition (100%) , indicating that the optimization of synthesis by response surface methodology was effective.