Abstract: The present invention describes a method for separating sterols from neutral substances comprising the sterols. The method generally starts with extracting a hydrocarbon fraction from neutral substances. The hydrocarbon fraction may be optionally washed with water. The neutral substances are separated from the hydrocarbon. The hydrocarbon fraction or the neutral substances are subjected to evaporation fractionating to obtain a sterol-rich fraction. The sterol-rich fraction is dissolved in a solvent, and the sterols are crystallized from the solvent. The obtained sterol crystals are separated from the solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering sterols and/or wax alcohols from a crude tall oil based source material comprising sterols and/or wax alcohols in esterified form and fatty and/or rosin acids and optionally sterols and/or wax alcohols in free form, said method comprising the steps of: a) converting free acids in the source material to corresponding salts, b) removing water if present, c) transesterifying the esterified sterols and/or wax alcohols present in the dry material obtained in step a or step b to liberate sterols and/or wax alcohols, d) evaporative fractionating the transesterified material, and e) isolating sterols and/or wax alcohols from the obtained fraction(s) and/or the residue.