Abstract: A microwave method was used to synthesize phytosteryl esters of α-linolenic acid, and the influencing factors were studied, such as mol ratio, catalyzer quantity, microwave power, and reaction time. Through orthogonal test, the optimal synthetic conditions are confirmed as follows: α-linolenic acid to phytosterol mol ratio 3.5:1, miacrowave power 660 W, heating time 30 min (heating 8 times, 4 min/times), and the quantity of sodium methylate added 0.75%. On the conditions the yield of the phytosterol esters is up to 60.8%. The purity of product is about 90.2% through recrystallization treatment.

Key words: microwave； &alpha, -linolenic acid； phytosterol； phytosterol esters of &alpha, -linolenic acid