A differential scanning calorimetry study on the oxidation of C-12-C-18 saturated fatty acids and their esters

The autoxidation of lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic acids, their et hyl esters, and palmitic and stearic triglycerides was investigated by mean s of the isothermal and nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry met hods under oxygen flow. The activation energies of oxidation of all investi gated compounds were similar (106.0-134.3 kJ/mol) and did not depend on len gth of the carbon chain. Kinetic parameters of start of the oxidation were similar for each investigated fatty acid and ester. Esterification of carbo xyl group did not interfere with the reaction rate. The study showed good a greement between isothermal and nonisothermal data.