Selective hydrogenation of soybean oil. II. Copper‐chromium catalysts

Abstract

Abstract Soybean oil was partially hydrogenated at 170 and 200C with 0.5 and 0.1% copper‐chromium catalysts, respectively. The reaction proceeded selectively at both temperatures, although selectivity was better at the lower temperature. Both commercial and laboratory‐prepared catalysts reduced the linolenic acid to less than 1% and with selectivity ratios (K Le /K Lo ) ranging from 6 to 13. Since stearate did not increase, linoleate selectivity (K Lo /K Ol ) was extremely high. About 80% or more of the original linoleic acid remained in the hydrogenated products as measured by the alkali‐isomerization method. More conjugated dienes were formed at 200 than at 170C.