In situ epoxidation of castor oil via peracetic acid mechanism with applied synergistic of sulfate-impregnated zeolite SM–5 as catalyst

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for environmentally friendly epoxides made from vegetable oils, including castor oil. This study aims to produce epoxidized castor oil derived ricinoleic acid (ECORA) with applied synergistic sulfate-impregnated zeolite ZM-5 as catalyst. To date, there is no published work on production of ECORA by peracetic acids mechanism using hybrid homogenous–heterogenous catalyst. Peracetic acid produced in situ was used to produce ECORA. By combining acetic acid, which acts as an oxygen carrier, with hydrogen peroxide, which acts as an oxygen donor, peracetic acid was formed. The ratio of ricinoleic acid to acetic acid was used at a ratio of 1:1, while a 1:1 molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to castor oil was introduced. The epoxidation process has been conducted at a temperature of 55 °C. The mixture was then stirred continuously at a fixed speed of 200 rpm. The maximum conversion to oxirane was achieved at 58%. Overall, ECORA was successfully produced via in situ epoxidation of castor oil with applied hybrid catalyst.