PATENTS

2893.----- [RUHRCHEMIE A. G.]  [Conversion of Olefins From Sources Other Than Carbon Monoxide Hydrogenation Into Fatty Acids.]  German Patent Appl. R 110,167, R 573, filed May 23, 1941 (Cl. IV d-12 o).  TOM Reel 36, bag 3,454, item 36, 3 pp.; Meyer Transl.  PC—S—V, Oxo, vol. 1, chap. 1, 1948, p. 1.

Olefins or products containing them , from sources other than CO hydrogenation such as the reaction products from the catalytic or thermal cracking of carbonaceous substances, from gas production by thermal means or the like, or from the reaction between CO and H₂ in presence of catalysts at ordinary or increased pressures and temperatures, are treated at pressures and temperatures in the range of about 100 atm. and 50°-200°, respectively, after which the resulting mixture is subjected to a mild oxidation and the fatty acids obtained thereby separated.  Example: 1 kg. of olefinic cracked oil obtained by the thermal cracking of high-molecular hydrocarbons from the hydrogenation of CO and containing 40% of olefins is mixed with 45 gm. of Co in the form of a finely pulverized catalyst (Co 110:ThO₂ 5: MgO 10: kieselguhr 200 parts), and stirred about 140° and 200 atm. with water gas(CO:H₂=1: 1).  After about 4 hr. the olefins have adsorbed 1 mol. of CO and H₂.  The liquid reaction products are freed from catalyst by filtration and then oxidized with air at 70°-80°.  The crude fatty acids obtained in this manner are saponified in  the usual manner with alcoholic caustic liquor and finally freed from neutral oil by extraction with light benzine.  The fatty acids amount to 300-500 gm.