Electrochemical hydrogenation of edible oils in a solid polymer electrolyte reactor. Sensory and compositional characteristics of low trans soybean oils
K. Warner et al., Electrochemical hydrogenation of edible oils in a solid polymer electrolyte reactor. Sensory and compositional characteristics of low trans soybean oils, J AM OIL CH, 77(10), 2000, pp. 1113-1117
Soybean oils were hydrogenated either electrochemically with Pd at 50 or 60
degrees C to iodine values (IV) of 104 and 90 or commercially with Ni to i
odine values of 94 and 68. To determine the composition and sensory charact
eristics, oils were evaluated for triacylglycerol (TAC) structure, stereosp
ecific analysis, fatty acids, solid fat index, and odor attributes in room
odor tests. Trans fatty acid contents were 17 and 43.5% for the commerciall
y hydrogenated oils and 9.8% for both electrochemically hydrogenated produc
ts. Compositional analysis of the oils showed higher levels of stearic and
linoleic acids in the electrochemically hydrogenated oils and higher oleic
acid levels in the chemically hydrogenated products. TAC analysis confirmed
these findings. Monoenes were the predominant species in the commercial oi
ls, whereas dienes and saturates were predominant components of the electro
chemically processed samples. Free fatty acid values and peroxide values we
re low in electrochemically hydrogenated oils, indicating no problems from
hydrolysis or oxidation during hydrogenation. The solid fat index profile o
f a 15:85 blend of electrochemically hydrogenated soybean oil (IV = 90) wit
h a liquid soybean oil was equivalent to that of a commercial stick margari
ne. In room odor evaluations of oils heated at frying temperature (190 degr
ees C), chemically hydrogenated soybean oils showed strong intensities of a
n undesirable characteristic hydrogenation aroma (waxy, sweet, flowery, fru
ity, and/or crayon-like odors). However, the electrochemically hydrogenated
samples showed only weak intensities of this odor, indicating that the hyd
rogenation aroma/flavor would be much less detectable in foods fried in the
electrochemically hydrogenated soybean oils than in chemically hydrogenate
d soybean oils. Electrochemical hydrogenation produced deodorized oils with
lower levels of trans fatty acids, compositions suitable for margarines, a
nd lower intensity levels of off-odors, including hydrogenation aroma, when
heated to 190 degrees C than did commercially hydrogenated oil.