Reactions of fatty acids in superacid media: Identification of equilibrium products

Acid-catalyzed cracking reactions of model compounds, palmitic acid and oleic acid, using trifluoromethanesulfonic acid were investigated to determine the extent of products from a Bronsted superacid. No reaction was found with the saturated palmitic acid at neither 25 °C nor 100 °C. However, oleic acid, an unsaturated acid, reacted at 0 °C forming linear and branched saturated fatty acids that were of smaller molecular weight than the starting material. These results suggest the potential of using lipids and fatty acids as feedstocks for the manufacture of transportation fuels.

Graphical abstractAcid-catalyzed cracking reactions of palmitic acid and oleic acid using triflic acid were investigated to determine the extent of products. No reaction was found with the saturated palmitic acid. However, oleic acid, an unsaturated acid, reacted at forming linear and branched saturated fatty acids that were of smaller molecular weight than the starting material. These results suggest the potential of using lipids and fatty acids as feedstocks for the manufacture of transportation fuels. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide