Copper mediated epoxidation of high oleic natural oils with a cumene-O-2 system

The epoxidation of methyl oleate or high oleic FAMEs from different vegetable oils was carried out in a one-pot reaction over supported copper catalysts by using cumene as oxygen carrier. Cumene firstly reacts with O-2 generating cumene hydroperoxide, that by reaction with methyl oleate forms the epoxide. By using 8% Cu catalysts supported on alumina or on a polymer yields up to 87% could be obtained in a single pot at 100 degrees C. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.