KINETICS OF CATALYTIC TRANSFER HYDROGENATION OF SOME VEGETABLE-OILS

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of corn, peanut, olive, soybean, and sunflower oils has been studied with aqueous sodium formate solution a s hydrogen donor and palladium on carbon as catalyst. Kinetic constant s and selectivity have been determined under intensive stirring in the presence of stabilizing agents. Hydrogenation reactions followed firs t-order kinetics with respect to fatty acids. Besides good selectivity and short reaction time, this method offers safe and easy handling. T he presence of linolenic acid retards the migration of double bonds, w hich explains why soybean oil is the most appropriate for this hydroge nation process.