CONCENTRATION OF GAMMA-LINOLENIC ACID

摘要

PURPOSE:To obtain the titled compound inexpensively, in high yield and harmlessly to human body without requiring removal of organic solvent by vacuum distillation, by fractionating gamma-linolenic acid containing natural fats and oils by chromatography using a supercritical fluid as a mobile phase. CONSTITUTION:gamma-Linolenic acid-containing natural fats and oils are fractionated by chromatography using a supercritical fluid as a mobile phase and a gamma- linolenic acid-containing glyceride fraction is collected to give the aimed com pound. A hydrocarbon such as methane or ethane besides carbon dioxide and freon is used as the supercritical fluid. The supercritical condition is >=72.4kg/cm<2> pressure and >=31.0 deg.C temperature in the case of carbon dioxide. A small amount of ethanol, butane, etc., having 40-120 deg.C boiling point is added to the supercritical fluid so that separating performance is improved. The partial collection condition by the supercritical chromatography is preferably 35-60 deg.C temperature and 90-250kg/cm<2> pressure.