Process for the selective enrichment of a delta-6 and delta-9 fatty acids containing mixture with delta-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, the enriched fractions thus obtained and their use

摘要

To selectively enrich for fatty acids whose first double bond is in the Δ6 position a raw material containing fatty acids whose first double bond is in position 6 or 9, treating the latter with a saturated solution of urea in methanol in proportions of fatty acid / urea determined so as to separate in the form of insoluble inclusion complex fatty acids other than the Δ6.; The enriched fractions may be processed by high performance liquid chromatography to isolate the substantially pure gamma-linolenic acid.; The enriched fractions, optionally recombined with glycerol may be used in medicaments and nutritional compositions or serve as a starting product in the synthesis of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid.