Oleochemical - Definition and Overview

Oleochemical are chemicals derived from biological oils or fats.They are analogous to petrochemicals which are chemicals derived from petroleum.

The hydrolysis or alcoholysis of oils or fats from the basis of the industry and use the same oleochemical general formula:

RCOOCH₂-CHOOCR-RCOOCH₂ + R´OH -->

RCOOR´-RCOOR´-RCOOR´ + CH₂OH-CHOH-CH₂OH

(bio-oil or fats) + R´OH -->(Fatty acids or esters) + Glycerol The hydrolysis of the triglycerides composing oils and fats produces fatty acids and glycerol.

In hydrolysis R´= H. So water (H₂O) is added. RCOOCH₂-CHOOCR-RCOOCH₂ + H_2>O -->

RCOOH-RCOOH-RCOOH + CH₂OH-CHOH-CH₂OH If oils or fats are made to react with an alcohol instead of with water, the process is alcoholysis and the product are fatty acid esters and glycerol.

In alcoholysis R´= alkyl group. So alcohol is added

RCOOCH₂-CHOOCR-RCOOCH₂ + C_nH_2n+1OH

-->

RCOOC_nH_2n+1-RCOOC_nH_2n+1-RCOOC_nH_2n+1 + CH₂OH-CHOH-CH₂OH