PROCESS FOR DECARBOXYLATION OF FATTY ACIDS AND OILS TO PRODUCE PARAFFINS OR OLEFINS

摘要

The invention is directed to a process of decarboxylation of natural fats and oils comprising the use of an activated acidic catalyst essentially free of Group VIII metals. Embodiments of the present process comprise the steps of supplying a feedstock comprising of natural fats, oils and mixtures thereof to a reaction vessel, subjecting the feedstock to an activated acidic catalyst essentially free of Group VIII metals, purging the reaction vessel with an inert gas; and subjecting the feedstock and catalyst to a temperature of from about 250° C. to about 500° C.