The selective homogeneous hydrogenation of soybean methyl esters

Soybean methyl esters are homogeneously, selectively hydrogenated in the presence of a variety of catalysts, of which Pt(Pph₃)₂Cl₂]+SnCl₂·2H₂O and MoCl₂(CO)₃(Pph₃)₂]+SnCl₂·2H₂O are typical. Many variations can be made in these catalysts without destroying their selectivity. All of the catalysts bring about isomerization of the substrate molecules. The role of the solvent and the mechanism of the reaction are discussed. One of 10 papers to be published from the Symposium “Hydrogenation”, presented at the AOCS Meeting, New Orleans, April 1970.