PURPOSE: To obtain a new compound useful as emulsifying agents, humectants and oils within a wide range such as cosmetics or medicines.
CONSTITUTION: A compound, e.g. 5,6-di-O-isostearyl-D-sorbitol expressed by formula I (R is 10-22C alkyl). The aforementioned compound expressed by formula I is obtained as follows. A compound expressed by formula II and an alkyl halide expressed by the formula RX (X is halogen) are stirred in the presence of a base (e.g. NaOH) in a solvent such as hexane at 0-80°C for 1-40hr using a tetraalkylammonium salt as a phase-transfer catalyst to afford a compound expressed by formula III, which is then hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst (e.g. Pd-C) to eliminate benzylidene groups. A cosmetic containing the compound expressed by formula I is well compatible with the skin without stickiness and excellent in also emulsion stability.
YAMAGUCHI MASAKAZU
KAWAMATA AKIRA
