Patent ID: 6770767
Filing Date: 2004-08-03
Classification: C07J,C11B,Y02W

Abstract:
A method for separating neutral substances from a soap containing the neutral substances, the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing a mixture comprising (1) the soap containing the neutral substances, (2) water optionally containing sodium sulfate and (3) a C1-C10 hydrocarbon solvent, and heating the mixture to a temperature of at least 140Â° C., to obtain a soap phase and a hydrocarbon phase containing the neutral substances, the heating step being conducted in a closed system under pressure, wherein the pressure in the system is at least equal to the vapor pressure of the mixture at the temperature used in the heating step and wherein no alcohol or ketone is used in step (a); (b) separating the hydrocarbon phase from the soap phase; and (c) optionally separating the neutral substances from the hydrocarbon phase.