NON-CORROSIVE CATALYTIC HYDROLYSIS OF FATTY ACID ESTERS TO FATTY ACIDS

摘要

The present invention relates to a liquid phase process for the direct hydrolysis of a fatty acid ester to the corresponding fatty acid and alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the fatty acid in the liquid phase is contacted with steam in the presence of a compound of a metal that is capable of forming a soap with a large hydration shell as a catalyst.