Novel Approaches for Synthesis of Polyols from Soy Oils

A method for synthesis of polyol from soybean oils has been developed using a two-step continuous route. The method involved epoxidation of soy oils and subsequent hydroxylation to produce polyols. The epoxidation was carried out using biphasic catalytic system (Na2WO4 / H2WO4) with 50 % hydrogen peroxide. The major advantages of this approach are that; the use of biphasic system allows easy separation of the products, does not require any chlorinated solvent (more environment-friendly), can be conducted at room temperature and requires relatively lower catalyst load. The functional groups of soy-polyol were identified using FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. This confirmed complete disappearance of the signature of the C=C double bonds, formation of the epoxy linkage following the epoxidation process, its further disappearance and incorporation of hydroxyl groups after the hydroxylation process. The hydroxyl number, hydroxyl functionality, acid value, iodine value and viscosity of the synthesized polyols were also determined.MAS