Influence of carboxylic acid in the production of epoxidized soybean oil by conventional and ultrasound-assisted methods

This study investigated the production of epoxidized soybean oil by conventional and ultrasound-assisted methods. Epoxidized soybean oil was synthesized by reacting soybean oil, hydrogen peroxide, and carboxylic acid (formic or acetic acid). Sulfuric acid was used as a peroxidation catalyst. The effects of sonication, the carboxylic acid (formic and acetic acid), peroxidation catalyst (H2SO4), and temperature (50, 60, and 80 degrees C) were evaluated on the yield and productivity of epoxidized soybean oil. The reaction was carried out for 5 h in the conventional method and for 3 h in the ultrasound-assisted method. In both conventional and ultrasound-assisted methods, soybean oil yields into epoxidized soybean oil surpassed 90% only when formic acid and sulfuric acid were applied. The conventional method occurred faster than the sonochemical method for yields of up to 90%. The ultrasound-assisted method was the best technological option to attain a product of high purity (98%). The sonochemical method could be considered a promising technology if the ultrasound equipment's limitations can be overcome.