Process for the preparation of mono- and dicarboxylic acids from unsaturated fatty acids and/or their derivatives

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of carboxylic acids from unsaturated fatty acids and/or their derivatives. The process of the invention is characterized in that it comprises the following stages: a stage which consists in oxidizing an unsaturated fatty acid in the form of acid and/or of ester using hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of a metal oxide or of a carboxylic acid optionally used in combination with a ruthenium-based catalyst, a stage which consists in reacting the reaction mixture originating from the preceding stage with nitric acid in the presence of a vanadium-based catalyst, optionally used in combination with a cocatalyst, and then a stage of recovery of the mono- and dicarboxylic acids. It is particularly well suited for the preparation of saturated mono- and dicarboxylic acids obtained from unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid or from oils and fats.