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.