High voltage electrical discharge reactions of fats and related compounds

Abstract

Abstract Studies are reported on the modification of fats and related compounds by electrical discharge reactions. Several types of fatty compounds were subjected to silent electrical discharge of the ozonizer type of 15,000 volts AC and analyzed by gas‐liquid and thin‐layer chromatography, infrared spectral and elemental analyses. Evidence was obtained for a free radical reaction in accordance with the general theory of discharge reactions. The major products of the reaction were polymers of varying degrees of complexity. Shortchain hydrocarbons were also detected. Hydrogenations via the formation of hydrogen radicals was demonstrated; branching via long‐chain radical interreactions was also indicated. The incorporation of nitrogen and oxygen into polymeric products was demonstrated when the reaction was carried out in the presence of these gases. Reaction mechanisms are proposed to explain the products formed under various conditions.