Sintesis Nitril Satu-Wadah dari Asam Lemak Jenuh

Abstract

Nitrile is an important intermediate for fine-chemicals industries. In particular, fatty nitriles can be used for the production of bio-based surfactants, lubricant oils, and other high-valued chemicals. The aim of this study was to develop an efficient synthesis method for direct conversion of saturated fatty acids into their nitrile analogues. This study was expected to enhance the economical value of crude palm oil and crude palm kernel oil. The synthesis was conducted in one-pot reaction by refluxing fatty acid and excess of acetonitrile in acidic condition. The optimum condition for this reaction was at 115 °C for 24 hours with yields of 50, 50, 70, and 75% for lauric acid (C-12), myristic acid (C-14), palmitic acid (C-16), and stearic acid (C-18), respectively. Purity of the fatty nitriles obtained through this method were confirmed by thin layer chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and melting-points.