Contents

Introduction

Problem

Prior Art

Our Approach

References

Hydrogenation

Addition of hydrogen molecule on double

bonds or triple bonds in an organic
molecule
Leads to reduction or saturation
Mostly a catalytic process
Eg.

3 atm,
H2
Pd

Vegetable Oil
Hydrogenation

Process to turn unsaturated oils into

saturated fats

Saturated fats have a longer shelf-life

Involves three major components- heat,

metal catalyst and pressurized H2 gas.

Why Monounsaturated
Fats(MUFA)?

Reduce risks of strokes, heart diseases

and cancer

Help the body absorb nutrients

Reduces total cholesterol, triglycerides

and LDL cholesterol

Problem

Convert polyunsaturated fatty acids (two or three

double bonds) into monounsaturated fatty acids

No generation of completely saturated fatty acids

and hence no increase in stearic percentage

Type of chemical transformation expected

Linolenic C18:3 Linoleic C18:2 Oleic C18:1

Higher selectivity towards cis isomer of

oleic acid

Heat and mass balance and cost per MT

of feed

Basic Reaction

Polyunsatura
ted fatty
acids
7-10% alpha
linolenic acid, 51%
linoleic acid, 23%
oleic acid

Cu/SiO2
453K,
2MPa,
1000rpm

Monounsatur
ated fatty
acids
Cis-oleic acid (major)
Trans-oleic acid
(minor)

Why Copper/Silica Catalyst?

Extremely cheap

Mild and hence shows good selectivity

Comparatively non toxic

Better results as compared to its

copper/chromite counterpart