METHODS FOR PRODUCING TRIOL ETHERS BY REACTIVE DISTILLATION
This invention relates to methods for preparing alkyl ethers from glycerin by reactive distillation. For example, the present invention provides a method for the preparation of mono-, di- and tri-ethers of glycerin, either in the presence or absence of fatty acids, contaminants by reactive distillation using solid catalysts. Specific desirable final products according to the reactive distillation method provided herein include glycerin ethers and fatty acid esters of C<SUB>4</SUB>-C<SUB>5</SUB> alcohols, such as for example, isobutanol, tert-butanol, and isoamyl alcohol.