Oleochemical

Oleochemicals are chemicals derived from biological oils or fats. They are analogous to petrochemicals which are chemicals derived from petroleum.

Related Topics:
Chemical - Oil - Fat - Petrochemical - Petroleum

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The hydrolysis or alcoholysis of oils or fats form the basis of the oleochemical industry and use the same oleochemical general formula:

Related Topics:
Hydrolysis - Alcoholysis

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RCOOCH2-CHOOCR-RCOOCH2 + R´OH →

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RCOOR´-RCOOR´-RCOOR´ + CH2OH-CHOH-CH2OH

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(bio-oil or fats) + R´OH →(Fatty acids or esters) + Glycerol

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The hydrolysis of the triglycerides composing oils and fats produces fatty acids and glycerol.

Related Topics:
Triglyceride - Fatty acid - Glycerol

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In hydrolysis R´= H. So water (H2O) is added:

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RCOOCH2-CHOOCR-RCOOCH2 + H2O →

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RCOOH-RCOOH-RCOOH + CH2OH-CHOH-CH2OH

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If oils or fats are made to react with an alcohol instead of with water, the process is alcoholysis and the products are fatty acid esters and glycerol.

Related Topics:
Alcohol - Ester

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In alcoholysis R´= alkyl group. So alcohol is added:

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RCOOCH2-CHOOCR-RCOOCH2 + CnH2n+1OH →

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RCOOCnH2n+1-RCOOCnH2n+1-RCOOCnH2n+1 + CH2OH-CHOH-CH2OH

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