Process for separating fatty acids from unsaponifiables

摘要

This invention comprises a process for separating a fatty acid from a mixture comprising a fatty acid and an unsaponifiable compound, which process comprises contacting the mixture at separation conditions with a molecular sieve comprising a crystalline silica having a silica to alumina mole ratio of at least 12, thereby selectively retaining the fatty acid. The fatty acid is recovered from the molecular sieve by displacement at displacement conditions with a displacement fluid soluble in the feed mixture and having a polarity index of at least 3.5.