Technical Abstract: In this work we have shown a facile and environmentally friendly reaction to form a cyclic ketal out of soybean oil, methyl soyate, methyl linoleate, and methyl oleate. There are many advantages of this reaction. First, the ketal reaction produces a branched fatty acid moiety and is reversible. Secondly, we use ferric chloride (a Lewis acid), and it is less likely to cause hydrolysis of the ester or glyceride. Ferric chloride is also not soluble in water and can be more easily separated and (if needed) recycled. Thirdly, acetone is cheap and more environmentally friendly. Finally, we use room temperature for the reaction, resulting in less energy usage.