Methods and Systems for Generating Aldehydes from Organic Seed Oils

Abstract

Methods for generating aldehyde-containing compounds in organic seed oils utilizing direct current and, optionally, ozone without the use of added electrolytes and reducing compounds are disclosed, as are compositions generated by such methods. The reactions can be performed efficiently at ambient temperatures and pressures. These compositions have particular utility as additives to fuels and lubricating oils derived from petrochemical sources.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for producing a petroleum product additive, comprising:
 providing a vegetable oil;   providing a first electrode and a second electrode;   submerging at least a portion of the first electrode and at least a portion of the second electrode into the vegetable oil;   applying, in the absence of an added chemical reductants and in the absence of an added metal salt, an electrical potential to the first electrode and the second electrode for at least 8 hours, such that the electrical potential generated between the first electrode and the second electrode is of fixed polarity, wherein the potential is at least 3 kV; and   generating the petroleum product additive.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first electrode comprises a conductive material selected from the group consisting of copper, brass, stainless steel, conductive polymer, and graphite. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second electrode comprises a conductive material selected from the group consisting of copper, brass, stainless steel, conductive polymer, and graphite. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first electrode and the second electrode have the same composition. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a gap is introduced between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the gap is from 5 mm to 100 mm. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the gap is about 40 mm. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the vegetable oil is exposed to the first electrode and the second electrode as a fluid flow directed through the gap. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the applied electrical potential is varied in a controlled fashion selected from the group consisting of an increasing trend, a decreasing trend, a rhythmic manner, a pulsatile manner, and as a waveform. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the vegetable oil is maintained between the first electrode and the second electrode for a period of not more than 48 hours. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the vegetable oil comprises an oil selected from the group consisting of canola oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil with an oleic acid content of greater than or equal to 70%.