Processes for preparing phytosterols and substantially citrostadienol-free phytosterols prepared thereby

US6979743B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Cognis Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Joerg Schwarzer · Hilden, DE
• Bernhard Gutsche · Hilden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 4, 2000
• Grant date: Dec 27, 2005
• Expiry date: Feb 4, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07J9/00
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Processes for preparing substantially citrostadienol-free phytosterols are disclosed. The processes described include dissolving a liquid phytosterol in a hydrocarbon solvent, optionally with added methanol, and crystallizing the phytosterol compounds. Also described are the resulting phytosterols which are substantially citrostadienol-free, and preferably contain less than 0.5% by weight citrostadienol.