Hydrogenation of alkali‐conjugated linoleate: Isomeric monoene profiles obtained with nickel, palladium and platinum catalysts

Alkali‐conjugated linoleate ( cis ‐9, trans ‐11‐ and trans ‐10, cis ‐12‐octadecadienoate) was hydrogenated with nickel, palladium and platinum catalysts. The trans and cis monoenes formed during reduction were isolated, and their double bond distribution was determined by reductive ozonolysis and gas liquid chromatography. About 44–69% of the monoenes were composed of δ 10 and δ 11 trans monoene isomers, whereas the δ 9 and δ 12 cis monoenes amounted to 20–26%. With nickel catalyst, composition of monoene isomers remained the same, even when the hydrogenation temperature was increased. The monoene isomer profiles between nickel and palladium catalysts were indistinguishable. Isomerization of monoenes with platinum catalyst was suppressed at 80 psi. The position of the double bonds in unreacted conjugated diene was always retained, except with nickel at both temperatures and with platinum at 150 C when a slight migration occurred. Geometrical isomerization to trans,trans ‐conjugated diene was observed in the unreacted diene with nickel (ca. 15% of diene) at both 100 C and 195 C, and with platinum (ca. 7% of diene) at 150 C.