Soy oil glycol monoesters have been prepared through the transesterification of soybean oil with ethylene, diethylene, propylene, and dipropylene glycols. The molar ratio of soybean oil to glycol used in these reactions was 1:6. The catalyst used in these reactions was lithium carbonate, 0.5%, based on soybean oil. The transesterifications were carried out at 180–190°C. The composition of soy oil glycol esters and their physical properties were determined. The soy oil glycol esters were incorporated in a water-based paint formulation as the coalescent aid, and the minimum film formation temperature was determined. The minimum film formation temperature results indicated that these esters can be used as coalescent aids in latex paint formulations to help in continuous film formation at or below room temperature
