Theory and practice of resin-catalyzed epoxidation

Summary Commercial polystyrene sulfonic acid resins have been shown to be effective in catalyzing epoxidation of unsaturated fatty esters with hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid because they catalyze peracid formation but do not promote by-product formation when used under proper conditions. Special resins with less cross-linkage have been shown to yield mostly by-products. Best catalyst life has been obtained with a special resin prepared with a low metal content. A continuous process based on the cascade principle has been demonstrated in the laboratory. The problem of resin re-use for both continuous and batch processes can best be solved by using the optimum 10–15% based on oil weight and by replacing about 10% of the resin after each use. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, Cincinnati, O., September 30–October 2, 1957.