Hydrogenation of Peanut and Sesame Oils in Hexane

Abstract

AbstractThe various parameters of hydrogenation of peanut and sesame oils in hexane have been investigated. At 140°C, 100 p. s. i. g. total pressure and 200 shakes/min. agitation the rate and selectivity of hydrogenation of peanut oil in hexane increased with increase in catalyst concentration from 0.1 to 0.3% Ni, beyond which (0.5 and 1.0%) the rate remained practically same and the selectivity decreased. The rate and selectivity decreased with decrease in total pressure of the system from 100 to 85 and 70 p. s. i. g. at 140°C and 0.3% Ni. The trans isomer formation was almost similar to that observed at 100 p. s. i. g. The reaction appeared to be of first order for certain period of hydrogenation at all catalyst concentrations. The temperature was the most important variable in controlling rate and selectivity. Both selectivity and the trans isomer formation increased from 115° to 140°C. These experiments demonstrated the commercial feasibility of the solvent (miscella) hydrogenation process.