Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method of preparing alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl estersin a one-pot alkoxylation reaction in the presence of a catalyst which is an alkaline earth metal oxide/mineral acid combination, preferably a barium oxide/sulfuric acid combination, or a Lewis acid, preferably Sn Cl4, comprising the steps of: a) providing a fatty acid alkyl ester, b) adding a catalyst to said fatty acid alkyl ester to obtain a first mixture, wherein said catalyst is an alkaline earth metal oxide/mineral acid combination or a Lewis acid, c) adding one or more alkylene oxides to said first mixture to obtain a second mixture and (d) isolating the alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl ester.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method of preparing alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl estersin a one-pot alkoxylation reaction in the presence of a catalyst which is an alkaline earth metal oxide/mineral acid combination, preferably a barium oxide/sulfuric acid combination, or a Lewis acid, preferably Sn Cl4, comprising the steps of: a) providing a fatty acid alkyl ester, b) adding a catalyst to said fatty acid alkyl ester to obtain a first mixture, wherein said catalyst is an alkaline earth metal oxide/mineral acid combination or a Lewis acid, c) adding one or more alkylene oxides to said first mixture to obtain a second mixture and (d) isolating the alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl ester.