Abstract: A process for producing oleochemical polyols comprises the steps of epoxidizing unsaturated oil using an organic acid together with oxygenated water or a per-acid to obtain epoxidized oil; washing the epoxidized oil with salt water to remove unused organic acid together with oxygenated water or a per-acid; neutralizing acidic condition of the washed epoxidized oil with a base; washing the neutralized epoxidized oil with a salt solution until the pH of the neutralized epoxidized oil reaching 6.5 to 7.5 to removed the base residue; drying the washed neutralized epoxidized oil under vacuum; and reacting the washed neutralized dried epoxidized oil with polyhydric alcohol in the presence of boron trifluoride-diethylether complex to produce the oleochemical polyols. The oleochemical polyols are then subjected to the same washing, neutralizing, washing and drying process as in preparing the washed neutralized dried epoxidized oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for producing hydroxy fatty acids preferably dihydroxy or polyhydroxy acids from unsaturated fatty acids derived from natural oils and fats. The unsaturated fatty acids extracted from natural vegetable oils or animal fats preferably palm-based oleic acid is hydroxylated or oxidized by peracetic acid which formed in situ from a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and formic acid. The process for producing dihydroxy or polyhydroxy fatty acids according to the present invention involve less cost, easier to perform and reduced reaction time. In addition, the dihydroxy or polyhydroxy acids produced according to the present invention is non irritant and suitable to be used in production of cosmetic products.

Abstract: A process for producing oleochemical polyols comprises the steps of epoxidizing unsaturated oil using an organic acid together with oxygenated water or a per-acid to obtain epoxidized oil; washing the epoxidized oil with salt water to remove unused organic acid together with oxygenated water or a per-acid; neutralizing acidic condition of the washed epoxidized oil with a base; washing the neutralized epoxidized oil with a salt solution until the pH of the neutralized epoxidized oil reaching 6.5 to 7.5 to removed the base residue; drying the washed neutralized epoxidized oil under vacuum; and reacting the washed neutralized dried epoxidized oil with polyhydric alcohol in the presence of boron trifluoride-diethylether complex to produce the oleochemical polyols. The oleochemical polyols are then subjected to the same washing, neutralizing, washing and drying process as in preparing the washed neutralized dried epoxidized oil.