PROCESS FOR ISOLATING PHYTOSTEROLS AND TOCOPHEROLS FROM DEODORIZER DISTILLATE

摘要

A process is described for efficiently recovering at least one of phytosterols and tocopherols in substantially pure form from the deodorizer distillates that may be obtained as by-products of the refining of edible oils. The phytosterol fatty acid esters present in deodorizer distillate are saponified with potassium hydroxide in a solvent medium containing methanol and water, thereby forming a solvent medium containing methanol, water, and the potassium soaps of fatty acids. Unsaponiable matter including tocopherols remain dissolved in this medium, allowing recovery of substantially pure phytosterols. Tocopherols in substantially pure form may be recovered by distillation under reduced pressure.