Method for synthesis of ketones from plant oils

摘要

Ketones may be produced in high yields from glycerides of short chain fatty acids by reaction with a carboxylic acid. The reaction is conducted in the presence of a catalyst and under conditions effective for ketonization of decanoate with the carboxylic acid to produce free ketones. Reaction of a glyceride comprising at least one ester of decanoic acid with a carboxylic acid selected from acetic acid and/or propionic acid produces 2-undecanone and/or 3-dodecanone, respectively. Catalysts of the formula FemCenAlpOx, wherein m is between about 0.2 to about 0.6, n is about 0.2, p is between about 0.6 to about 0.2, and x is greater than 0, produce significantly higher yields of the ketones than other known metal oxides.