Fractionation of Short and Medium Chain Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters from a Blend of Oils via Ethanolysis and Short-Path Distillation

The main objective of the present work was to obtain fractions enriched in short (SCFAEE) and medium chain (MCFAEE) fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) from a blend of oils. For this purpose, coconut oil and dairy fat were blended and a transesterification of this blend was performed in order to transform the triacylglycerols into their corresponding FAEE. A detailed study of fractionation conditions for FAEE was carried out using short-path distillation. Different conditions were explored such as feed rates and temperatures; operating conditions, such as successive steps or a single step. The composition and yield of SCFAEE and MCFAEE were determined under different distillation conditions. Optimal fractionation of the desired compounds was achieved. High purity of SCFAEE and MCFAEE (94 wt%) was attained with a yield of similar to 50%. An increased yield of SCFAEE and MCFAEE was achieved (85%) with a purity of 83 wt%. A broad range of high value fractions was obtained depending on the conditions selected. The fractions we obtained can be used as starting materials for the production of functional lipids.