Interesterification involves an exchange of acyl group among triglycerides. Acyl groups may exchange positions within a triglyceride or among triglyceride molecules.

Catalysts

High temperature catalysts: KOH and NaOH

Low temperature catalysts: Sodium Methoxide (NaOCH3)

Reaction Mechanisms

1. The formation of enolate ion

2. The formation of Beta-Keto ester

3. Interesterification

Catalyst Function in Interesterification

Initial removal of an ?-proton by the base catalyst leads to the charge delocalized enolate anion.

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