Selective hydrogenation with copper catalysts: I. Isolation and identification of isomers formed during hydrogenation of linolenate

Methyl linolenate was hydrogenated with 10% copper chromite catalyst at 150 C and atmospheric hydrogen pressure. The product was separated into monoene, diene and triene fractions by countercurrent distribution. These fractions were further separated into various geometrical isomers. The double bond location in the various fractions was determined by reductive ozonolysis. Double bonds in both cis and trans monoene fractions, as well as in cis,trans and trans,trans conjugated dienes, were extensively isomerized. A monoene containing vinylic unsaturation was one of the major products. The nonconjugated dienes were mostly dienes whose double bonds were widely separated. Results are explained on the basis of conjugation of the double bonds in linolenate followed by hydrogen addition.