Method for producing fatty acid esters

US6211390A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Siegfried Peter · Erlangen, DE
• Ruth Ganswindt · Wegberg, DE
• Eckhard Weidner · Erlangen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 3, 1999
• Grant date: Apr 3, 2001
• Expiry date: Dec 3, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C67/58
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention concerns a method for producing fatty acid esters from fatty acid triglyceride and in particular from animal or vegetable fats and oils by transesterification with a monovalent low-molecular weight alcohol in the presence of a homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst. In accordance with the invention, the formed fatty acid ester is extracted from the reaction mixture by means of a near-critical extractant. In this way fatty acid esters are obtained at high yield and excellent purity. As the extractant preferably a low pressure gas having a reduced temperature at 20.degree. C. of about 0.7, preferably of equal to or greater than 0.7, is employed. Preferred extractants are carbon dioxide, propane, butane, dimethyl ether, ethyl acetate or mixtures thereof.