Synthesis Of Epoxidized Oleic Acid- Based Palm Oil by Peracid Mechanism

Abstract

Abstract Commercial epoxides available in the market are mainly petroleum and animal based which are non-environmental friendly and often non-halal. Oleic acid (C18:1) derived from palm kernel oil contains the unsaturation double bond (C=C) in its long alkyl chain makes it an attractive fatty acid for the production of eco-friendly epoxide. The epoxidation of oleic acid was carried out by using in situ generated performic acid (HCOOOH) to produce epoxidized oleic acid. Performic acid was formed by mixing formic acid (as oxygen carrier) and hydrogen peroxide (as oxygen donor). The results indicated that optimum conditions occurred at moderate agitation speed 300 rpm and by using 30% hydrogren peroxide. Sulfuric acid was found to be the most efficient catalyst. It was found that a maximum relative conversion to oxirane (RCO) achieved was 87.61 % at optimal condition.