Synthesis of a low trans-content edible oil, non-edible oil, or fatty acid in a solid polymer electrolyte reactor

Abstract

An electrochemical process for hydrogenating an unsaturated fatty acid, mixtures of two or more fatty acids, or the unsaturated fatty acid constituents of an edible or non-edible oil's triglycerides is performed using a solid polymer electrolyte reactor. Membrane electrode assemblies consist of a cation exchange membrane onto which porous anode and cathode electrodes are attached. As the electrodes are permeable, reactant and products enter and leave the membrane/cathode and membrane/anode reaction zones via the back sides of the electrodes. Hydrogen is generated in situ by the electro-reduction of protons that are formed at the anode and which migrate through the ion exchange membrane for reaction with the fifty acids or fatty acid constituents. In the disclosed process, only protons (H,ions) carry the current between the anode and the cathode. The need for a supporting electrolyte to conduct electricity has been circumvented. The disclosed process operates at a low to moderate temperature at atmospheric or moderate pressure without the use of a supporting electrolyte that will contaminate the oil. A novel partially hydrogenated oil product selected from the group consisting of a partially hydrogenated fatty acid, a partially hydrogenated triglyceride, and mixtures thereof is produced by the disclosed process. The product produced from the disclosed process has: a trans-isomer content lower than that of a similarly hydrogenated oil product formed in a high temperature chemical catalytic reaction process; a peroxide value of less than about 1.5%; free fatty acid content of less than about 0.02%; and, improved purity.