Optimization of the Epoxidation of Rapeseed Oil with Peracetic Acid

Hemp Seed Oil and Oilseed Radish Oil as New Sources of Raw Materials for the Synthesis of Bio-Polyols for Open-Cell Polyurethane Foams

We report on the development of open-cell polyurethane foams based on bio-polyols from vegetable oils: hemp seed oil, oilseed radish oil, rapeseed oil and used rapeseed cooking oil. The crude oils were pressed from seeds and subjected to an optimal solvent-free epoxidation process. Bio-polyols were obtained by a ring-opening reaction using diethylene glycol and tetrafluoroboric acid as catalysts. The resultant foams were analysed in terms of their apparent density, thermal conductivity coefficient, mechanical strength, closed cell content, short-term water absorption and water vapour permeability, while their morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy. It was found that regardless of the properties of the oils, especially the content of unsaturated bonds, it was possible to obtain bio-polyols with very similar properties. The foams were characterized by apparent densities ranging from 11.2 to 12.1 kg/m3, thermal conductivity of <39 mW/m∙K, open cell contents of >97% and high water vapour permeability.

Acetylation of alcohols and amines under visible light irradiation: diacetyl as an acylation reagent and photosensitizer

An unprecedented strategy for the acetylation of alcohols and amines using diacetyl as both an acylation reagent and a photosensitizer was well developed.

Continuous flow technology-a tool for safer oxidation chemistry

The advantages and benefits of continuous flow technology for oxidation chemistry have been illustrated in tube reactors, micro-channel reactors, tube-in-tube reactors and micro-packed bed reactors in the presence of various oxidants.

NMR analysis of roasted coffee lipids and development of a spent ground coffee application for the production of bioplastic precursors

Multinuclear and multidimensional NMR spectroscopy was applied as a robust and rapid tool for the analysis of several classes of non-polar compounds in roasted coffee beans, coffee beverage and spent coffee grounds. In addition to various fatty acids, other compounds found in roasted coffee lipids, include oxidation and hydrolysis products, terpenes, sterols, and phospholipids. Spent coffee grounds have a similar fatty acid composition with roasted coffee beans and they are rich in Cafestol and Kawheol, which appear as esters of fatty acids. Triglycerides extracted from coffee waste using a green chemistry approach, based on supercritical CO₂ extraction, are promising candidates for the production of bioplastics. Bioplastic precursors were produced using an in situ solvent-free epoxidation process and the reaction monitoring was performed using NMR spectroscopy.

Technological aspects of vegetable oils epoxidation in the presence of ion exchange resins: a review

A review paper of the technology basics of vegetable oils epoxidation by means of peracetic or performic acid in the presence of acidic ion exchange resins has been presented. The influence of the following parameters: temperature, molar ratio of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide to ethylenic unsaturation, catalyst loading, stirring intensity and the reaction time on a conversion of ethylenic unsaturation, the relative percentage conversion to oxirane and the iodine number was discussed. Optimal technological parameters, mechanism of epoxidation by carboxylic peracids and the possibilities of catalyst recycling have been also discussed. This review paper shows the application of epoxidized oils.

Influence of alkenyl structures on the epoxidation of unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters and vegetable oils

Epoxidation of three fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were carried out with peroxyacid catalysts to investigate the influences of the alkenyl structure on the epoxidation efficiency and selectivity.

Synthesis of epoxy jatropha oil and its evaluation for lubricant properties

Vegetable oils are being investigated as potential source of environmentally favorable lubricants over synthetic products. Jatropha curcas L. oil (JO) identified as a potential raw material for biodiesel was explored for its use as a feedstock for biolubricants. Epoxidized jatropha oil (EJO) was prepared by peroxyformic acid generated in situ by reacting formic acid and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of sulfuric acid as catalyst. Almost complete conversion of unsaturated bonds in the oil into oxirane was achieved with oxirane value 5.0 and iodine value of oil reduced from 92 to 2 mg I2/g. EJO exhibited superior oxidative stability compared to JO. This study employed three antioxidants such as butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), zinc dimethyl dithiocarbamate (ZDDC), and diphenyl amine (DPA) and found that DPA antioxidant performed better than ZDDC and BHT over EJO compared to JO. The lubricating properties of EJO and epoxy soybean oil (ESBO) are comparable. Hence, EJO can be projected as a potential lubricant basestock for high temperature applications.