Abstract: A cleaning agent which provides effective solvency for a broad range of tasks and exhibits high flash point is disclosed. This cleaning agent comprises a C1-C4 ester of a C6-C20 fatty acid or a mixture of such esters having a total unsaturation of not more than 60 percent and/or a total saturation of not less than 40 percent or an iodine value of not more than 70. The fatty acid is preferably lauric acid or a mixture of fatty acids comprising lauric acid and not more than 60 percent unsaturated fatty acids and/or not less than 40 percent saturated fatty acids. Meanwhile, the C1-C4 ester is preferably methyl ester, butyl ester, isopropyl ester or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Phytosterols, squalene and Vitamin E are recovered from phytonutrients concentrate derived from crude palm oil by the disclosed invention via esterification, transesterification, vacuum distillation, saponification, crystallization and organic solvents partitioning. Crude palm oil is subjected to esterification and transesterification for the production of crude palm oil methyl esters. Phytonutrients concentrate containing phytosterols, squalene, Vitamin E and unreacted monoglycerides is recovered from crude palm oil methyl esters by multi-stages vacuum distillation in which components with higher molecular weight are filtered during second stage vacuum distillation. The purified phytonutrients concentrate is subjected to saponification process and the unsaponifiable matter is added to a combination of solvents for crystallization of phytosterols. The filtrate enriched in squalene and Vitamin E is separated to its individual squalene-rich layer and vitamin E-rich layer via organic solvents partitioning.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of phytonutrients such as carotenes, phospholipids and ubiquinones from palm oil esters is disclosed. This process comprises the steps of vacuum distillation, treatment and purification of concentrate containing these phytonutrients. The alkyl esters is subjected to at least one stage vacuum distillation at temperature from 80° C. to 220° C. and pressure less than 40 mTorr. The carotenes concentrate is subjected to various physical and chemical treatments to yield higher carotenes concentration enriched with ubiquinones in indigenous diacylglycerols.