Formation of Formic Acid and Its Esters in Oxidation of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters

Pathways of formation of low-boiling products in the course of oxidation of fatty acid methyl esters with atmospheric oxygen in a bubbling column were studied. These products are continuously removed from the reactor under the action of high temperature at continuous air supply. Two kinds of feedstock with different content of esters of mono- and diunsaturated fatty acids (methyl esters of fatty acids of olive and sunflower oils) were used in the study. Along with acids and aldehydes forming the major fraction of low-boiling products, compounds containing ester groups were detected. The 1 Н and 13 С NMR analysis revealed the presence of formic acid esters in the samples. The formate formation mechanism involving the Baeyer–Villiger reaction of aldehydes with hydroperoxides in the reaction volume was suggested.