Epoxidation of oleic acid with oxygen in the presence of benzaldehyde using heterogenized homogeneous co‐type ion‐exchange membrane as catalyst

The epoxidation of oleic acid with oxygen in the presence of benzaldehyde to produce epoxidized oleic acid using a Co‐type ion‐exchange membrane as catalyst was carried out. No leakage of cobalt ion was found during the experimental runs. The epoxidized oleic acid was formed by a series of free radical reactions. Experimental results show that at 70% conversion of oleic acid, 60% of the total theoretical epoxidized oleic acid was obtained, illustrating the high selectivity (86%). The rate‐determining steps were experimentally identified and the formation rate of epoxidized oleic acid was found.