Diacetoxystearic acid (DAS) was obtained directly from oleic acid with peracetic acid or a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst. The conditions of the reaction were investigated. Water in the reaction mixture decreased the yield of DAS. Maximum yield of DAS (82%) was obtained under conditions that a 5 : 1.2 : 0.15 (mol) mixture for acetic acid, peracetic acid and H2SO4 was added dropwise to 1 mol of oleic acid, and the reaction mixture was heated 95°C for 3hr.