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Does acid hydrolysis work to separate FFA's out of crude palm oil, when afterwards you neutralize the fatty acids with a base? do i need to heat up the reaction flask, or is this done at roomtemp?
Accepted Answer
Yes, acid hydrolysis can be used to separate free fatty acids (FFAs) from crude palm oil. The acid (like sulfuric acid) will react with the triglycerides in the oil, breaking them down into glycerol and FFAs. This mixture can then be neutralized with a base (like sodium hydroxide) to convert the FFAs into their corresponding salts (soap), which are soluble in water and can be separated from the oil. The reaction usually requires heat to increase the reaction rate. However, the exact temperature depends on the specific acid and oil used. It is recommended to consult with a chemist or chemical engineer for optimal process conditions.
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