https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2025.008
Published: Kem. Ind. 74 (11-12) (2025) 467–474
Paper reference number: KUI-08/2025
Paper type: Original scientific paper
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Dihydroxystearic Acid Production via Catalytic Epoxidation of Oleic Acid Derived from Palm Oil

I. M. Rasib, I. S. Azmi, M. A. Addli, F. Fitriana, A. N. Masri and M. J. Jalil

Abstract

Concern regarding the drawbacks of relying on fossil fuels as the primary resource for producing various derivatives has led to increased interest in the production of dihydroxystearic acid (DHSA) via in situ hydrolysis of epoxidised oleic acid. Epoxidised oleic acid is produced using in situ formed performic acid (HCOOOH), a mixture of formic acid (HCOOH) as the oxygen carrier and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as the oxygen donor. A genetic algorithm method implemented in MATLAB was used to simulate the kinetics of oxirane oxygen ring degradation during the epoxidation process, along with the concentration of DHSA produced. This approach is novel in combining the genetic algorithm with the Runge-Kutta method, providing more accurate and efficient kinetic modelling than conventional methods. The DHSA produced, known as crude DHSA, was further purified for potential application in the cosmetics industry. The physicochemical properties of both crude and purified DHSA were compared. The hydroxyl value for the purified DHSA was higher (333.1 mg KOH/g) compared to that of the crude (267 mg KOH/g). Other properties, such as higher iodine value in the crude (8.9) compared to purified (3.7), were also confirmed. Additionally, the most significant difference observed was in the form or particle size: crude DHSA appeared as a semi-solid, whereas purified DHSA was a white powder with a particle size range of 63–125 µm.

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Keywords

epoxidation, DHSA, ode45, biomass conversion