Epoxidation of methyl oleate with hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

Summary Simple addition of hydrogen peroxide to a 10 molar excess of glacial acetic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid catalyst gave about 90% conversion to peracetic acid in the peracid preforming step. Improved hydrogen peroxide efficiency in the epoxidation step was obtained by using a 0.9:1 molar ratio of preformed peracetic acid to methyl oleate. Under these conditions most of the peracetic acid was used in forming the epoxide. Stainless Steels 304, 316, 321, 329, and 430 are satisfactory as materials of construction from the standpoint of both corrosion resistance and effect on the reaction.