Hydrogenation of long chain olefinic oils with Raney catalyst

摘要

An improved monolithic hydrogenation catalyst and processes for using same to hydrogenate animal and vegetable oils, said catalyst being comprised of a Raney metal alloy surface layer integral with and derived from a selected nickel alloy monolithic substrate mesh structure wherein said surface layer is predominantly derived from an adherent Beta structured crystalline precursor outer portion thereon. The catalyst is adaptable to both continuous and batch hydrogenation and shows enhanced activity, improved triene to diene selectivity and a low isomerization index. Hydrogenated oils show lower linolenic and stearic contents, lower trans-isomer percentages and lower melting points as compared to commercial products of equivalent iodine number.