Chemical changes of synthetic fatty acids during rectification under industrial conditions

Abstract

1. The chemical conversions which accompany the rectification of raw synthetic fatty acids and result in a loss of the fractions suited for soap manufacture are the most intensive in the boilers of the fourth and fifth columns. 2. During rectification of synthetic fatty acids under a rigorous regime, the weight-average of the acid number drops by 10–15% and the content of unsaponifiable substances is doubled or more than doubled, as is the content of resins. The changes of the carbonyl and the acid numbers pass through a maximum. 3. Synthetic fatty acids of high-molecular weight are sufficiently stable during heating to 320°C in 3–8 min and during rapid overheating of the feeds to the fourth and fifth columns (310–320°C); rapid overheating decreases the degree of thermal decomposition during rectification by almost 50% and increases the yield of acids suited for soap manufacture by 6.1%.