Copper catalysts in the selective hydrogenation of soybean and rapeseed oils: I. The activity of the copper chromite catalyst

In the hydrogenation of soybean and rapeseed oils with fresh copper chromite catalyst, the rate of reaction −d(IV)/dt varies extensively with time. These variations are ascribable to changes in phase composition of the catalyst during its reduction. This reduction is not restricted to an initial period but proceeds in two steps during the major part of a normal hydrogenation for the reduction of the linolenate content of the oil. Variations of the catalyst activity followed by experimental measurements have been related to the changes of the catalyst composition.