Abstract: The invention consists of a process for separating organic monomers or auxiliaries, which are used in synthesizing organic polymers or take part in the polymerization reaction, from the prepolymer resulting from the synthesis, in which the monomers or auxiliaries are extracted from the prepolymer by means of compressed and dried carbon dioxide as solvent.

Abstract: A process for the decaffeination of raw coffee. The process involves increasing the moisture content of the raw coffee and selectively extracting caffeine from the raw coffee by using hydrous liquefied carbon dioxide as an extractant at a pressure below the critical pressure of carbon dioxide. The process differs from conventional processes which use liquefied carbon dioxide at pressures above the critical pressure but it is suprisingly found that the process of the invention does not result in the coextraction of aroma components of the coffee. The use of lower pressures means that the process of the invention is more economical than conventional processes.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for the production of extracts from spices in two stages by extraction with a non-toxic gas as solvent, the improvement which comprises in a first stage extracting from the spices essential oils functioning as aroma components by contacting the spices with liquid solvent, at a pressure in the supercritical range and a temperature in the subcritical range, separating the solvent from the spice, evaporating the solvent and separating essential oils, and in a second stage extracting from the spices the portions acting as flavor carriers by contacting the spices from the first stage with gaseous solvent, at a pressure and a temperature both in the supercritical range, separating the gaseous solvent from the spice, reducing the pressure and temperature, and separating the flavor carriers from the gaseous solvent.

Abstract: A process for extracting caffeine from raw coffee by circulating humid nitrogen oxide N.sub.2 O gas in a hypercritical condition under predetermined pressure and temperature conditions through the raw coffee. Optionally the caffeine is separated from the extractor gas by an ion exchanger such as a three-dimensional cross-linked polysaccharide.

Abstract: Fatty animal starting material is subjected to extraction using a gas at supercritical conditions. The extraction operation takes place in a static column without circulation. The gas used as a solvent in the extraction operation may be subsequently regenerated and re-used. Any innocuous gas may be used provided its critical constants fall within the pressure and temperature ranges dictated by the extraction material. The fats are completely extracted without chemical modification of either the extract or the residue, both of which retain their natural composition. The water content of the extracted fats is less than 0.2% by weight. Scrap fat from meat and offal, such as visceral fat, may be used as starting material.

Abstract: Process for extraction of hops utilizing supercritical gases such as carbon dioxide.