| abstract |
Methods for simultaneous saponification and quantitative isomerization of glyceride oils containing interrupted double bond systems, with alkali in water to yield soaps with conjugated double bond systems are disclosed. Novel methods of hydrolysis of the soap product with acid to form fatty acid-water emulsions and the breaking of those emulsions are also disclosed. The preferred embodiment uses a vegetable oil rich in linoleic acid such as sunflower or safflower oil, potassium hydroxide, phosphoric acid to neutralize the soaps, and an emulsion breaking compound which can include ethanol or other monohydric alcohol, tannins (either hydrolysable or condensed tannin) or polyethylene glycol. The reaction forms positional and geometric isomers of conjugated linoleic acid and the preferred isomer mixture is controlled by a combination of agitation, precisely controlled heating and rapid initiation and termination of the reaction. The reaction product composition may be enriched by crystallization. |