Zeolite-catalyzed additions of aromatic compounds to oleic acid

Authors: Ngo, Helen; FOX, PAMELA - Retired ARS Employee; Haas, Michael

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2011
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: There is significant research interest in developing new materials from vegetable oils and animal fats. Biobased materials can be more environmentally friendly because they tend to have good biodegradability and are derived from renewable resources. In this talk, efficient approaches for the addition of aromatic compounds to vegetable oil, i.e., oleic acid, at the internal olefinic site using zeolite catalysts will be presented. A number of experimental parameters were examined, including different catalysts, reaction components and their ratios, and reaction conditions (such as time, temp., and pressure). The reactions were typically performed at high temperature (200 – 280oC) and elevated pressure (<300 psi) in order to obtain the desired aryl-branched-chain fatty acid isomers. Under optimized conditions, aryl-branched-chain fatty acid isomers were obtained in up to 70% yield. The presence of isomeric aryl-branched-chain fatty acids in the product mixtures can potentially lower their melting points, which is important for biobased applications that require good fluidity at lower temperatures. The materials were characterized using various analytical techniques, including gas chromatograph (GC), GC-mass spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance.