Reaction Process Analysis and Recycling Process Analysis of Sebacic Acid Preparation via Alkaline Hydrolysis

The conventional alkaline hydrolysis route is among the most economical and widely used methods for sebacic acid production, but process‐level analysis remains limited. In this work, the reaction and recycling processes of sebacic acid preparation from methyl ricinoleate by alkaline hydrolysis were investigated. The evolution of reactants and products indicated a rapid cleavage stage followed by a slower sebacic acid formation stage. By‐product analysis identified undesired pathways under present conditions and provided guidance for side‐reaction suppression and process optimization. In addition, the distribution, recovery, and reuse feasibility of Pb 3 O 4 and liquid paraffin were evaluated. About 41.8 ± 2.6 wt.% of Pb could be recovered for reuse, while liquid paraffin could be reused for five cycles with a recovery rate of 82.81 ± 0.48 wt.% and a sebacic acid yield of about 67.58 ± 0.68 wt.%. This study provides a reference for process understanding, recycling, and cleaner production in sebacic acid manufacture via alkaline hydrolysis.