The Decomposition of Secondary Esters of Castor Oil with Fatty Acids

A.T. Erciyes, L. Dandik and F.S. Erkal 

Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Chemistry-Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering Department 80626 Maslak, Istanbul, TURKEY

In this study, thermal splitting of secondary fatty acid esters of castor oil was investigated to determine the reaction kinetics under various conditions. Zinc oxide, p-toluenesulfonic acid and sulfuric acid were used as catalysts. Reactions were carried out at 260, 270 and 280°C. Experimental data fitted the first-order rate equation for the catalyzed and noncatalyzed reactions. In addition to kinetic investigation, the splitting (pyrolysis) mixture was evaluated in the preparation of a synthetic drying oil. For this purpose, the mixed the mixed fatty acids of linseed, sunflower and Ecballium elaterium seed oils were used in the esterification stage of the process. Pyrolysis mixtures were converted to drying oils by combining the liberated acids with equivalent amounts of glycerol. The oils thus obtained show good drying oil properties.

Key words : Castor oil, decomposition, Ecballium elaterium, kinetics, linseed oil, pyrolysis, sunflower oil