Catalytic selective hydrogenation of soybean oil for industrial intermediates

The catalytic selective hydrogenation of soybean oil, which is a renewable, sustainable, and easily biodegradable natural substance, was carried out over 42 % Ra-Ni, 5 % Pt/C, and 23 % Ni/SiO2 catalysts for the preparation of industrial intermediates, such as lubricant base oils. The rate of reduction of each component in the oil, with a maximum formation of oleic acid and a minimum increase in the amount of stearic acid, over 23 % Ni/SiO2 was traced quantitatively by means of 'H-NMR spectroscopy and capillary gas chromatography. The occurrence of trans fatty esters during the hydrogenation was confirmed using FT-IR spectroscopy, but the presence of trans-olefins could not be confirmed.