Optimization of continuous hydrogenation of soybean lecithin using factorial design

Soybean lecithin containing a mixture of phospholipids (PLs) is an important co product obtained during soybean oil refining. Saturated rich PLs find several applications in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical areas. The present study reports a simple, rapid, efficient and continuous hydrogenation process using 10% Pd/C catalyst at various temperatures and pressures. Degree of hydrogenation was monitored by fatty acid composition and iodine values (I.V). Maximum hydrogenation of 91.3% was obtained at 60°C and 20 bar pressure which showed an I.V of 3.89 as against the crude soybean lecithin having I.V 99.5. Design of experiments was carried to optimize the process.