抄録
For purpose of clarifying the fundamental reaction conditions, in expected case of commercial reaction of castor oil, the reaction of methyl ricinoleate with metallic sodium was investigated. Some derivatives of the raw ester, such as ricinoleic acid, polyester, reductive condensation products and ricinoleyl alcohol were detected in the reaction products. Based on these products and hydrogenation rate, the reactivity of OH-group was investigated and further the practical condition of Bouveault et Blanc reduction was predicted.
When methyl ricinoleate was reduced by using tertiary amylalcohol and methylisobutyl carbinol as the reducing alcohol, the change in yield of ricinoleyl alcohol was determined with increase in ƒvalue (………… relating to mole ratio, total OH-group mole/reducing alcohol mole). The quantity of reducing alcohol required for maximum yield is consequently lower than the theoretical value of Bouveault et Blanc reduction of -COO-group.
It was certified that a part of OH-group in the raw ester could possibly act as proton donor for reducing alcohol of low reactivity with sodium such as tertiary amylalcohol. Methyl ricinoleate could be reduced without formation of trans isomer, which was detected little by the infrared spectroscopy.
