10.1021/jo01149a013
The study focuses on the preparation and physical properties of lactate laurates, which are potential plasticizers and synthetic lubricants. The chemicals involved include lactic esters such as sec-butyl lactate, isobutyl lactate, methyl isobutyl carbinyl lactate, 2-ethoxyethyl lactate, cyclohexyl lactate, ethylhexyl lactate, and 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethyl lactate. These lactic esters were prepared by esterification of lactic acid or alcoholysis of methyl lactate. Laurates were then produced by acylating these lactic esters with lauroyl chloride. The study investigates the boiling points of these lactate laurates at different pressures and compares them with other compounds like n-butyl, tetrahydrofurfuryl, and benzyl laurates. The lactate laurates were found to have boiling points between those of n-butyl phthalate and n-octyl phthalate, two common plasticizers. The study also provides equations to predict the boiling points of other lactate laurates based on the normal boiling points of their corresponding alcohols.