This invention discloses a method for preparing ethylhexylglycerol and its application, comprising the following steps: adding isooctanol and a base to a
solvent, stirring and cooling to 0-5 degrees Celsius, then adding a
dichloromethane solution of p-toluenesulfonyl
chloride dropwise. After the addition is complete, the mixture is brought to
room temperature and stirred for a period of time. A sample is taken for
gas chromatography analysis until the isooctanol is completely consumed. Water is added to separate the
layers, and the
dichloromethane layer is collected. The
dichloromethane layer is washed twice with water and dried to obtain a dichloromethane solution of isooctyl p-toluenesulfonate, which is then dried and reserved.
Glycerol and
boric acid are added to a reaction flask for
dehydration reaction, and after the reaction is complete, a
diglyceride borate intermediate is obtained. The prepared
diglyceride borate intermediate is added dropwise to a dichloromethane solution of isooctyl p-toluenesulfonate to obtain isooctyl borate
diglyceride ether. Then, the
solvent is removed, and the mixture is hydrolyzed with water to obtain the target compound, ethylhexylglycerol. This invention, through the application of the diglyceride borate structure, reduces the generation of by-products, and the overall yield is higher compared with current traditional processes.