Synthesis and characterization of soyamide ferulate

Ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid) is a phytochemical antioxidant that is widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom. Cinnamic acid derivatives are used as biobased ultraviolet (UV) absorbers in sunscreen formulations. Soybean oil ferulate, a biobased UV absorber, was synthesized by reacting soyamide with ferulic acid. The resulting product was characterized by infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Spectroscopic studies measured the soyamide-based ferulate maximum absorbance at 327 nm with a molar extinction coefficient of 19,705 L mol(-1) cm(-1). Soyamide ferulate has potential to be used in coatings.