Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid phase process for the direct hydrolysis of a fatty acid ester to the corresponding fatty acid and alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the fatty acid in the liquid phase is contacted with steam in the presence of a compound of a metal that is capable of forming a soap with a large hydration shell as a catalyst.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 8, 2002
Date of Patent:
November 11, 2003
Assignee:
HaltermannAscot GmbH
Inventors:
Jacobus Sinnema, Luc De Graef, Thomas Meisel, Inge Mussler