Selective catalytic decarboxy-cracking of triglyceride to middle-distillate hydrocarbon

It was found that MgO supported catalysts gave liquid hydrocarbons and CO2 selectively, from palm oil and other vegetable oil at around 703 K. The hydrocarbon product was composed of paraffins and olefins, whose carbon number was C3 and C10–C20 hydrocarbons whose peak located at C15. Chemical structure of the products was the mixture of straight chain and branched chain hydrocarbons. The fluid point of the product was about 253 K. Supported MgO promoted the di-carboxylation of triglyceride or free fatty acid. The products showed lower acid value and iodine value. The product was successfully used for the diesel engine.