KINETICS OF CATALYTIC TRANSFER HYDROGENATION OF SOYBEAN LECITHIN

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of soybean lecithin has been studied using aqueous sodium formate solution as hydrogen donor and palladium on carbon as catalyst. Kinetic constants and selectivity have been det ermined set intensive stirring. Hydrogenation reactions followed the f irst-order kinetics with respect; to fatty acids. In addition to short reaction time, this method offers safe and easy handling. Hydrogenate d soybean lecithin provides products with increased stability with res pect to oxidation, mostly applied in cosmetics and pharmaceutical prep arations.