GB461202A - Process of extracting and concentrating vitamins - Google Patents

Abstract

Vitamins are extracted from natural materials such as fats and oils by acting directly on the raw material with a solution of acetone and hydrocarbons either simultaneously with, or subsequent to, the addition of a saponifying agent, and without the previous separation of the saponifiable and unsaponifiable matter. Modifications of the above process which are described comprise: (1) the saponification of the raw materials in the presence of acetone, followed by extraction with a hydrocarbon solvent after saponification is completed; (2) the saponification of the raw materials in the presence of a hydrocarbon solvent, followed by addition of acetone after the saponification is completed, and the removal of the hydrocarbon layer containing the vitamins; (3) the saponification of the raw materials in the presence of both acetone and a hydrocarbon solvent, followed by the removal of the hydrocarbon layer containing the vitamins when the saponification has been completed. The term " hydrocarbons" includes any hydrocarbon spirit liquid at ordinary temperatures and having a boiling point not exceeding 175 DEG C. Examples are benzene, benzine, and petroleum ether. It is preferred that the hydrocarbon oils used for extraction purposes in the present invention should be first subjected to a purification treatment comprising mixing the hydrocarbon with heavy oils and then distilling off the hydrocarbons ready for use. It is stated that noxious impurities may be removed in this way. A preferred purification comprises the addition of 20 kilos. of a vegetable or animal oil, or a pure heavy mineral oil to 80 kilos. of hydrocarbon, followed by the distillation of 70--75 kilos. of the hydrocarbon. The residue is rejected. In examples: (1) liver oil is saponified with aqueous potassium hydroxide in the presence of acetone either under pressure or under reflux. After saponification, the vitamins are extracted by a hydrocarbon solvent such as benzine, preferably added in the proportion of one volume of benzine to one volume of solution. On the second and subsequent extractions it is usually necessary to add more acetone to avoid the formation of emulsions; (2) the saponification is performed in the absence of acetone, which is then added in an amount sufficient to dissolve all the soap. The solution is then treated as in example (1); (3) the raw material is dissolved in benzine, saponified, acetone added and then the extraction performed as in example (1); (4) the oil is saponified in the presence of acetone and petroleum ether. After saponification, the extraction is carried out as in example (1). Specifications 362,023 and 393,883 are referred to.