Epoxidation of jatropha methyl esters via acidic ion exchange resin: optimization and characterization

This study revealed that the maximum 89.9% relative conversion to oxirane rings was achieved after 6 h with the optimal reaction conditions of temperature at 70 ˚ C, the molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to unsaturation of 1.5 mol, the molar ratio of acetic acid to unsaturation of 0.5 mol, and catalyst loading of 16%. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra of the epoxidized jatropha methyl esters (EJME) showed oxirane peaks (doublet) at 825 and 843 cm-1.1H NMR confirmed the diepoxide group at 2.85 ppm and 2.98 ppm, while the diepoxide signals of 1C NMR were present at 56.88-57.06 ppm. Production of bio-epoxides from Jatropha methyl esters hence looks promising with favorable physicochemical properties, availability, and versatility.
Source: Brazilian Journal of Chemical Engineering - Category: Chemistry Source Type: research