Enrichment of Methyl Ricinoleate from Castor Oil Fatty Acid Methyl Esters Using Liquid Extraction Process

Introduction

 

The enriched methyl ricinoleate will be useful for the preparation of castor oil derivatives A novel process was developed for the enrichment of methyl ricinoleate upto 98% purity from castor oil fatty acid methyl esters by liquid-liquid extraction in a ternary system of castor oil methyl esters, refined vegetable oil or light paraffin and aqueous polar solvent.

 

The enriched methyl ricinoleate will be useful for the preparation of several high value derivatives without interference of non-hydroxy fatty acids. The separated non-hydroxy fatty acids can also be utilized.

 

Major Raw Materials

 

Castor oil methyl esters, polar solvent.

 

Brief Process Description

 

Castor oil methyl esters is combined with an organic medium and is contacted with an aqueous polar solvent. This results in both aqueous and organic layers. Aqueous layer is the source for enriched castor oil methyl esters and organic layer contains non-hydroxy fatty acids.

 

Scale of Demonstration: 3 kg castor oil methyl esters / batch

 

Product Specifications: Yield: approximately 85% with 98% purity.

 

By-products: Organic phase with enriched non-hydroxy fatty acids.

 

Status of Commercialization

 

Looking forward for industry collaboration for upscaling

 

Major Plant Equipment and Machinery Required

 

Jacketed reactor (10 lts), high efficiency distillation column, centrifugation equipment, adsorption column, vacuum rotary drier etc

 

IPR: US Patent No. US8383847 B2 (26/2/2013); Europe Patent No. 2254978 (2011); Britain Patent No. 2254978 (2011); France Patent No. 2254978 (2011); Germany Patent No. 2254978 (2011); Indian Patent Application No. 520/DEL/08 dt. 05-03-2008

 

For further information please contact

 

CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology
Uppal Road, Tarnaka,
Hyderabad - 500 007
Phone: +91-40-21791623
E-mail: aau@iict.res.in