Process for the separation of sterols or mixtures of sterols

Abstract From the Canadian patent

The invention relates to a process for the isolation of sterols or sterol mixtures from unsaponifiable fractions of extractants of vegetable origin, especially from the neutral substance of crude soap from the sulphate cellulose process. According to the process the neutral substance and a small, amount of a suitable solvent which depending on the desired, composition of the product preferably is methanol or a mixture, of methyl ethyl ketone are mixed, when required, while heating the cooled mixture is filtered and the sterol precipitate obtained is washed with a suitable wash solvent preferably, acetone or a mixture of acetone and methanol. The sterol mixture prepared according to the …