Specific process features of epoxidation of fatty acid methyl esters of vegetable oils with performic acid generated in situ

Abstract

Physicochemical relationships of the phase distribution of the reactants in epoxidation of fatty acid methyl esters of vegetable oils with performic acid generated in situ were determined.. The progress of epoxidation is accompanied by redistribution of the organic and aqueous phase volumes. The major cause of changes in the phase volumes is the transfer of peroxide oxygen from the aqueous phase into the organic phase upon formation of epoxy groups. A comparable change in the phase volumes is due to reactive extraction of aqueous phase components with the epoxy compounds formed.