THE KINETICS OF THE AUTOXIDATION OF FATS

The kinetics of the initial stages of the autoxidation of fats has been studied by linearization of rate data. All data treated follow the same basic rate equation with a time function f(t) that was empirically derived by Berg for heterogeneous oxidation. Metals and glass (wall of reaction vessel) are catalysts. f(t) expresses the state of the catalyst. The hydroperoxides formed are surface active, they form micelles that can solubilize O2. Thus the O2 concentration in the substrate increases with the degree of oxidation and so does the rate of oxidation. Above the upper limit of solubilization the oxidation rate is constant. Added hydroperoxides also increase the oxidation rate in proportion to the amount added.