Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of soybean oil

The catalytic transfer hydrogenation of soybean oil by various hydrogen donors and solvents with palladium‐oncarbon catalyst was investigated in batch and continuous modes. The choice of reaction conditions, donor and catalyst allowed the manufacture of partially hydrogenated oils or semi‐solid fats with controlled fatty acid contents, iodine value, melting point and solid content index. The level of “iso” forms of fatty acids was similar to, and average initial selectivity was higher than that obtained with gaseous hydrogenation under pressure with a catalyst of the same type. The best results were obtained in aqueous solution with sodium formate as hydrogen donor at 60°C.