| 摘要 |
<p>A process is provided herein for the isolation of .beta. -sitosterol in yields over 90% as a hydrate from a sterol-mixture separated from the neutral fraction of raw soap by heating the sterol mixture together with only one solvent mixture. The invention involves using, as the solvent mixture, an aqueous solution of a solvent that forms hydrogen bonds, e.g. an acetone and water mixture, or an isopropanol and water mixture. When the mixture is cooled to 15.degree.C or below, a product rich in .beta. -sitosterol is crystallized as a hydrate. This product contains, in addition to .beta. -sitosterol, a maxi-mum of 4% ? -sitosterol, 7% campesterol and 0.5% other impurities. The process is easy to carry out since it uses inexpensive solvents. The final product obtained is of sufficient purity to be useful as such for pharmaceutical purposes.</p> |
