摘要 |
A method for separating neutral substances from a soap containing the neutral substances, the method including the steps of: providing a mixture containing (1) the soap containing the neutral substances, (2) water optionally containing sodium sulfate and (3) a C1-C10 hydrocarbon solvent, and heating the mixture to a temperature of at least 140 DEG C, to obtain a soap phase and a hydrocarbon phase containing the neutral substances, the heating step being conducted in a closed system under pressure, wherein the pressure in the system is at least equal to the vapor pressure of the mixture at the temperature used in the heating step; separating the hydrocarbon phase from the soap phase; and optionally separating the neutral substances from the hydrocarbon phase. |