Pyrolysis of tropical vegetable oils.

Pyrolysis products of babassu (Orbignya martiana), piqui (Caryocar coriaceum), and palm oils (Elaeis guineensis) were analyzed by GC/MS using library search programs. The chief products of pyrolysis were straight-chain alkanes and 1-alkenes. Small amounts of cyclic hydrocarbons were detected in triglycerides constituted by oleic acid as the major moiety. Pyrolysis of oleic acid was also studied. A pathway for the cracking reactions involved with the decomposition of the saturated fatty acids is