Optimization of a two-step method to synthesize azelaic acid from oleic acid

Abstract

The present study deals with the oxidative cleavage of oleic acid (OA) using hydrogen peroxide and tungstic acid as a catalyst to produce azelaic acid. A two-step method has been expanded for the optimization of a new route of azelaic acid synthesis with the addition of sodium hypochlorite as the co-oxidation. The Central Composite Design (CCD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were performed to optimize the production of azelaic acid. The interaction effect among catalyst concentration, substrate molar ratio and temperature were done for optimization the conversion of oleic acid. Maximum oleic acid conversion of 99.11% was reached at substrate molar ratio of 4/1 (H2O2/OA), a catalyst concentration of 1.5% (w/wOA) and temperature of 70 oC. The GC analysis shows that the yield of azelaic acid is 44.54% and pelargonic acid is 34.12%. These results indicate that the proposed process show a good strategy for the synthesis of azelaic acid from oxidative cleavage of oleic acid.