The Oxidative Cleavage of 9,10-Dihydroxystearic Triglyceride with Oxygen and Cu Oxide-based Heterogeneous Catalysts

This paper deals with a new heterogeneous catalyst for the second step in the two-step oxidative cleavage of unsaturated fatty acids triglycerides derived from vegetable oil, a reaction aimed at the synthesis of azelaic and pelargonic acids. The former compound is a bio-monomer for the synthesis of polyesters; the latter, after esterification, is used in cosmetics and agrochemicals. The reaction studied offers an alternative to the currently used ozonization process, which has severe drawbacks in terms of safety and energy consumption. The cleavage was carried out with oxygen, starting from the glycol (dihydroxystearic acid triglyceride), the latter obtained by the dihydroxylation of oleic acid triglyceride. The catalysts used were based on Cu2+, in the form of either an alumina-supported oxide or a mixed, spinel-type oxide. The CuO/Al2O3 catalyst could be recovered, regenerated, and recycled, yielding promising results for further industrial exploitation.