PROCESS FOR OBTAINING STEROID PRECURSORS AND STEROIDS BY BIOMASS PYROLYSIS.

摘要

The present invention refers to a process for obtaining steroid precursors and steroids by means of the thermal decomposition of biomass. The process comprises at least two sequential stages of pyrolysis (at different temperatures) and at least a stage for recovering products by the condensation thereof. The main advantage of the invention is that compounds grouped according to their molecular weight or boiling point are obtained, which facilitates the separation thereof. This process is useful for mainly obtaining phytosterols such as stigmastan and beta sitosterol, which are compounds commonly used in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries.