Electrocatalytic process for the hydrogenation of edible and non-edible oils and fatty acids
US5225581A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC11C3/12
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An electrocatalytic process for hydrogenating an unsaturated fatty acid, triglyceride, or mixtures thereof as an oil or fat is described. Current is passed through a cathode and hydrogen is generated in situ on the high surface area, low hydrogen overvoltage catalytic material used as the cathode in a reactor containing a liquid reaction medium (electrolyte) comprised of oil and/or fat, water and/or an organic solvent (e.g. t-butanol), and a supporting electrolyte salt. Typical catalytic cathodes comprise a granular or powdered Raney metal or an alloy thereof, platinum black, ruthenium black, or finely divided carbon powder containing platinum, palladium, or ruthenium. Typical supporting electrolyte salts include sodium p-toluenesulfonate, tetraethylammonium p-toluenesulfonate, and sodium or potassium phosphate monobasic. A novel partially hydrogenated oil or fat product is obtained when the above process is carred out at temperatures less than 75.degree. C. The product is characterized by a trans isomer content lower than that of a hydrogenated product which is prepared by a high temperature, chemical catalytic process. The specific isomer selectivity index of cis to trans isomer …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.