Removal of sterols from lipid matrix by extraction with compressed lower hydrocarbons, useful e.g. for removing cholesterol from fats or oils or for recovering biologically active sterol derivatives

摘要

Separation of sterols (and/or their derivatives) (I) from a lipid matrix (A), using compressed hydrocarbons, involves contacting (A) with an extractant (II) consisting mainly of 3-4C hydrocarbons in a separating plant, to give a 2-phase liquid system consisting of a light phase (mainly (I)) (LP) and a heavy phase (mainly (II)) (HP). The phases are separated and (II) is removed, to give a (I)-enriched product from LP and (I)-free (A) from HP.