Catalytic behavior of palladium in the hydrogenation of edible oils

Palladium supported on alumina was used to hydrogenate soybean and canola oil. Previous literature reports indicated that palladium forms more trans isomers than nickel. At 750 psig, 50 ppm palladium, and at 70 C, only 9.4% trans were formed when canola oil was hydrogenated to IV 74. In general, high pressure and low temperature favored low trans formation with no appreciable loss in catalyst activity. The effect of pressure, temperature and catalyst concentration on reaction rate, trans formation and selectivity is presented. A survey of various catalyst supports is discussed. Apparent activation energies of 6.3 to 8.9 kcal/mol were obtained; they are in good agreement with values reported in the literature.