Monomer and dimer formation in esters of dihydroxyacetone

The monomer (1-undecanoyloxy-3-hydroxyacetone) and dimer (2,5-diundecanoyloxymethyl-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-dioxane) of dihydroxyacetone monoundecanoate have been characterized, and the conditions associated with their interconversion have been determined. The respective molecular constitutions have been unequivocally documented with ultraviolet and infrared spectral characteristics.