PATENTS

      197.            BLASS, K., AND BRUECKE, O.  [Separating Unsaponifiable Compounds From Oxidation Products of Higher Molecular Hydrocarbons.]  German Patent Appl.-, filed Mar. 13, 1941: APC 383,242.

Paraffin gatsch, obtained by the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis from CO₂ and H₂, is oxidized to crude fatty acids containing as high as 60% unoxidized or partly oxidized products.  Theoretical NaCO₃ or NaOH required for saponification of the fatty acids is added in an autoclave, heat applied, and saponification completed under a pressure pf 7 atm.  The mixture is dehydrogenated under pressure, transferred to a distillation vessel agitated, and treated with steam and heated in vacuo to 335º C.  Hydroxy acids, lactones, etc, are converted to fatty acids.  Half of the unsaponifiable materials are distilled off while the mixture remains thinly liquid.  The steam is shut off and a high vacuum is gradually applied and everything distillable is driven off.  The temperature is held above 290º C.  Treatment with H₂O in an autoclave yields a liquid soap, which on decomposition with H₂SO₄ gives fatty acid that may be further distilled in known manner.